UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 


FORM 10-Q
 

(Mark One)
x     Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

OR

o     Transition report pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number: 001-32634
 

 
SMART ONLINE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 


Delaware
95-4439334
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

4505 Emperor Blvd., Ste. 320
Durham, North Carolina
27703
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(919) 765-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

2530 Meridian Parkway, 2 nd Floor, Durham, North Carolina 27713
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes x No o  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

o
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

As of November 10, 2008, there were approximately 18,408,723 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.



SMART ONLINE, INC.

FORM 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page No.
 
PART I  – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 (unaudited) and December 31, 2007
3
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
4
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
5
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 
6
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
18
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
30
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 30
Item 4T.
Controls and Procedures
 30
 
PART II  – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
31
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
32
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
38
Item 5.
Other Information
38
Item 6.
Exhibits
 40
 
Signatures
42

2


PART I  – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.     Financial Statements

SMART ONLINE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
September 30,
2008
(unaudited)
 
December 31,
2007
 
ASSETS
             
Current assets:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
30,751
 
$
3,473,959
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
483,302
   
815,102
 
Contract receivable, net
   
160,000
   
-
 
Note receivable
   
60,000
   
55,000
 
Prepaid expenses
   
339,982
   
90,886
 
Deferred financing costs
   
-
   
301,249
 
Total current assets
   
1,074,035
   
4,736,196
 
Property and equipment, net
   
373,473
   
174,619
 
Capitalized software, net
   
120,191
   
-
 
Contract receivable, net, non-current
   
25,033
   
-
 
Note receivable, non-current
   
368,236
   
225,000
 
Prepaid expenses, non-current
   
295,201
   
-
 
Intangible assets, net
   
2,328,092
   
2,882,055
 
Goodwill
   
2,696,642
   
2,696,642
 
Other assets
   
23,651
   
60,311
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
7,304,554
 
$
10,774,823
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
             
Current liabilities:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
639,206
 
$
628,370
 
Notes payable
   
1,606,981
   
2,287,682
 
Deferred revenue
   
164,459
   
329,805
 
Accrued liabilities
   
477,647
   
603,338
 
Total current liabilities
   
2,888,293
   
3,849,195
 
Long-term liabilities:
             
Notes payable
   
4,834,136
   
3,313,903
 
Deferred revenue
   
81,972
   
247,312
 
Total long-term liabilities
   
4,916,108
   
3,561,215
 
Total liabilities
   
7,804,401
   
7,410,410
 
Commitments and contingencies
             
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
             
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized, 18,410,389 and 18,159,768 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
   
18,410
   
18,160
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
66,863,031
   
66,202,179
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(67,381,288
)
 
(62,855,926
)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
   
(499,847
)
 
3,364,413
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
$
7,304,554
 
$
10,774,823
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

3


SMART ONLINE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
2008
 
September 30,
2007
 
September 30,
2008
 
September 30,
2007
 
REVENUES:
                         
Subscription fees
 
$
642,880
 
$
830,660
 
$
2,132,787
 
$
2,040,243
 
Professional service fees
   
620,826
   
378,068
   
2,129,710
   
984,548
 
License fees
   
291,250
   
200,000
   
395,000
   
480,000
 
Other revenue
   
31,412
   
20,467
   
77,387
   
70,720
 
Total revenues
 
$
1,586,368
 
$
$1,429,195
 
$
4,734,884
 
$
3,575,511
 
 
                         
COST OF REVENUES
 
$
223,569
 
$
168,035
 
$
636,430
 
$
355,942
 
 
                         
GROSS PROFIT
 
$
1,362,799
 
$
1,261,160
 
$
4,098,454
 
$
3,219,569
 
 
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                         
General and administrative
   
1,246,207
   
1,398,170
   
3,823,099
   
3,567,385
 
Sales and marketing
   
709,906
   
635,201
   
2,137,375
   
1,563,653
 
Research and development
   
941,067
   
636,780
   
2,547,439
   
1,908,644
 
 
                         
Total operating expenses
 
$
2,897,180
 
$
2,670,151
 
$
8,507,913
 
$
7,039,682
 
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
   
(1,534,381
)
 
(1,408,991
)
 
(4,409,459
)
 
(3,820,113
)
 
                         
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                         
Interest expense, net
   
(150,510
)
 
(139,124
)
 
(519,746
)
 
(400,910
)
Legal reserve and debt forgiveness, net
   
-
   
(39,477
)
 
-
   
(34,877
)
Gain on legal settlements, net
   
291,407
   
-
   
386,710
   
-
 
Other income
   
1,064
   
24,866
   
17,133
   
168,672
 
 
                         
Total other income (expense)
 
$
141,961
 
$
(153,735
)
$
(115,903
)
$
(267,115
)
NET LOSS
 
$
(1,392,420
)
 
(1,562,726
)
$
(4,525,362
)
$
(4,087,228
)
                           
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
                         
Basic and fully diluted
 
$
(0.08
)
 
(0.09
)
 
(0.25
)
 
(0.24
)
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES USED IN COMPUTING NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
                         
Basic and fully diluted
   
18,378,940
   
17,292,639
   
18,282,180
   
17,002,827
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


SMART ONLINE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

   
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2008
 
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
             
Net loss
 
$
(4,525,362
)
$
(4,087,228
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
638,930
   
631,267
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
301,249
   
320,083
 
Provision for accounts and contract receivable allowances
   
266,875
   
-
 
Stock-based compensation
   
341,722
   
574,343
 
Registration rights penalty
   
-
   
(320,632
)
Gain on debt forgiveness
   
-
   
(215,123
)
Gain on disposal of assets
   
(3,729
)
 
-
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
   
(120,108
)
 
(716,154
)
Notes receivable
   
(148,236
)
 
(280,000
)
Prepaid expenses
   
(544,297
)
 
(18,634
)
Other assets
   
36,660
   
(32,271
)
Deferred revenue
   
(330,686
)
 
410,179
 
Accounts payable
   
10,836
   
85,290
 
Accrued and other expenses
   
96,189
   
329,643
 
Net cash used in operating activities
 
$
(3,979,957
)
$
(3,319,237
)
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Purchases of furniture and equipment
   
(293,656
)
 
(86,549
)
Purchase of trade name
   
-
   
(2,033
)
Proceeds from sale of furniture and equipment
   
13,564
   
-
 
Capitalized software
   
(120,191
)
 
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
$
(400,283
)
$
(88,582
)
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
Repayments on notes payable
   
(5,022,392
)
 
(1,784,272
)
Debt borrowings
   
5,861,924
   
1,472,850
 
Issuance of common stock
   
97,500
   
5,748,607
 
Expenses related to Form S-1 filing
   
-
   
(128,244
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
$
937,032
 
$
5,308,941
 
               
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
$
(3,443,208
)
$
1,901,122
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
3,473,959
   
326,905
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
 
$
30,751
 
$
2,228,027
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid during the period for:
             
Interest
 
$
243,168
 
$
247,400
 
Taxes
 
$
38,905
 
$
-
 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:
             
Conversion of debt to equity
 
$
228,546
 
$
-
 
Shares issued in settlement of registration rights penalties
 
$
-
  $
144,351
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


SMART ONLINE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
  
1.    SUMMARY OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business - Smart Online, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1993. The Company develops and markets software products and services targeted to small businesses that are delivered via a Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) model. The Company sells its SaaS products and services primarily through private-label marketing partners. In addition, the Company provides website consulting services, primarily in the e-commerce retail industry. The Company maintains a website for potential partners containing certain corporate information located at www.smartonline.com.

Basis of Presentation - The financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 is obtained from the audited financial statements as of that date. The accompanying statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes, together with management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 25, 2008 (the “2007 Annual Report”).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s statement of financial position as of September 30, 2008, and its results of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.
 
Significant Accounting Policies - In the opinion of the Company’s management, the significant accounting policies used for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are consistent with those used for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. Accordingly, please refer to the 2007 Annual Report for the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Reclassifications - Certain prior year and comparative period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.

Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Smart CRM, Inc. (“Smart CRM”) and Smart Commerce, Inc. (“Smart Commerce”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Subsidiary accounts are included only from the date of acquisition forward.

Revenue Recognition - The Company derives revenue primarily from subscription fees charged to customers accessing its SaaS applications; the perpetual or term licensing of software platforms or applications; and professional services, consisting of consulting, development, hosting, and maintenance services. These arrangements may include delivery in multiple-element arrangements if the customer purchases a combination of products and/or services. Because the Company licenses, sells, leases, or otherwise markets computer software, it uses the residual method pursuant to American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition (“SOP 97-2”), as amended. This method allows the Company to recognize revenue for a delivered element when such element has vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value of the delivered element. If VSOE cannot be determined or maintained for an element, it could impact revenues as all or a portion of the revenue from the multiple-element arrangement may need to be deferred.

If multiple-element arrangements involve significant development, modification, or customization or if it is determined that certain elements are essential to the functionality of other elements within the arrangement, revenue is deferred until all elements necessary to the functionality are provided by the Company to a customer. The determination of whether the arrangement involves significant development, modification, or customization could be complex and require the use of judgment by management.

6


Under SOP 97-2, provided the arrangement does not require significant development, modification, or customization, revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria have been met:

1.   persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists

2.   delivery has occurred

3.   the fee is fixed or determinable

4.   collectibility is probable

If at the inception of an arrangement the fee is not fixed or determinable, revenue is deferred until the arrangement fee becomes due and payable. If collectibility is deemed not probable, revenue is deferred until payment is received or collection becomes probable, whichever is earlier. The determination of whether fees are collectible requires judgment of management, and the amount and timing of revenue recognition may change if different assessments are made.

Under the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables , consulting, website design fees, and application development services are accounted for separately from the license of associated software platforms when these services have value to the customer and there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of each deliverable. When accounted for separately, revenues are recognized as the services are rendered for time and material contracts, and when milestones are achieved and accepted by the customer for fixed-price or long-term contracts. The majority of the Company’s consulting service contracts are on a time and material basis and are typically billed monthly based upon standard professional service rates.

Application development services are typically fixed price and of a longer term. As such, they are accounted for as long-term construction contracts that require revenue recognition to be based on estimates involving total costs to complete and the stage of completion. The assumptions and estimates made to determine the total costs and stage of completion may affect the timing of revenue recognition, with changes in estimates of progress to completion and costs to complete accounted for as cumulative catch-up adjustments. If the criteria for revenue recognition on construction-type contracts are not met, the associated costs of such projects are capitalized and included in costs in excess of billings on the balance sheet until such time that revenue recognition is permitted.

Subscription fees primarily consist of sales of subscriptions through private-label marketing partners to end users. We typically have a revenue share arrangement with these private-label marketing partners in order to encourage them to market our products and services to their customers. Subscriptions are generally payable on a monthly basis and are typically paid via credit card of the individual end user or the aggregating entity. Any payments received in advance of the subscription period are accrued as deferred revenue and amortized over the subscription period.

Because our customers generally do not have the contractual right to take possession of the software we license or market at any time, we recognize revenue on hosting and maintenance fees as the services are provided in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-3, Application of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Arrangements That Include the Right to Use Software Stored on Another Entity’s Hardware .

Fiscal Year - The Company’s fiscal year ends December 31. References to fiscal 2007, for example, refer to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.
 
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in the Company’s financial statements and notes thereto. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management include the determination of the provision for income taxes, the fair market value of stock awards issued, and the period over which revenue is generated. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Software Development Costs - Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 86, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed (“SFAS No. 86”), requires capitalization of certain software development costs subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility, with costs incurred prior to this time expensed as research and development. Technological feasibility is established when all planning, designing, coding, and testing activities that are necessary to establish that the product can be produced to meet its design specifications have been completed. Historically, the Company had not developed detailed design plans for its SaaS applications, and the costs incurred between the completion of a working model of these applications and the point at which the products were ready for general release had been insignificant. These factors, combined with the historically low revenue generated by the sale of the applications that do not support the net realizable value of any capitalized costs, resulted in the continued expensing of underlying costs as research and development.

7


Beginning in May 2008, the Company determined that it was strategically desirable to develop an industry standard platform and enhance the current SaaS applications. A detailed design plan indicated that the product was technologically feasible, and in July 2008, development commenced. All related costs from that point in time are being capitalized in accordance with SFAS No. 86.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Advertising Costs - The Company expenses all advertising costs as they are incurred. The amounts charged to sales and marketing expense during the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 were $7,795 and $11,133, respectively. During the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, these amounts were $20,205 and $26,802, respectively.

Net Loss Per Share - Basic net loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the relevant periods. Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the relevant periods. Common equivalent shares consist of convertible notes, stock options, and warrants that are computed using the treasury stock method.

Stock-Based Compensation   -   The Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123R”), which requires companies to expense the value of employee stock options, restricted stock, and similar awards and applies to all such securities outstanding and vested.

In computing the impact of stock-based compensation expense, the fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model utilizing certain assumptions for a risk-free interest rate, volatility, and expected remaining lives of the awards. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company uses different assumptions, the Company’s stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. In estimating the Company’s forfeiture rate, the Company analyzed its historical forfeiture rate, the remaining lives of unvested options, and the amount of vested options as a percentage of total options outstanding. If the Company’s actual forfeiture rate is materially different from its estimate, or if the Company reevaluates the forfeiture rate in the future, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what the Company has recorded in the current period.

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation expense for the periods indicated:

8



   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
2008
 
September 30,
2007
 
September 30,
2008
 
September 30,
2007
 
Compensation expense included in G&A expense related to stock options
 
$
30,995
 
$
146,860
 
$
106,199
 
$
458,328
 
Compensation expense included in G&A expense related to restricted stock awards
   
50,583
   
47,466
   
235,523
   
116,016
 
                           
Total SFAS No. 123R expense
 
$
81,578
 
$
194,326
 
$
341,722
 
$
574,344
 

The fair value of option grants under the Company’s equity compensation plan and other stock option issuances during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
2008
 
September 30,
2007
 
September 30,
2008
 
September 30,
2007
 
Dividend yield
   
0.0
%
 
0.0
%
 
0.0
%
 
0.0
%
Expected volatility
   
40
%
 
150
%
 
46
%
 
150
%
Risk-free interest rate
   
4.39
%
 
4.59
%
 
4.43
%
 
4.59
%
Expected lives (years)
   
4.3
   
4.5
   
4.4
   
4.6
 

The expected lives of the options represent the estimated period of time until exercise or forfeiture and are based on historical experience of similar awards. Expected volatility is partially based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock since the end of the prior fiscal year as well as management’s expectations for future volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based on the published yield available on U.S. treasury issues with an equivalent term remaining equal to the expected life of the option.

The following is a summary of the stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008:

   
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
           
BALANCE, December 31, 2007
   
1,644,300
 
$
5.07
 
Granted
   
35,000
   
3.19
 
Forfeited
   
(1,036,400
)
 
5.80
 
Exercised
   
(325,000
)
 
1.40
 
BALANCE, September 30, 2008
   
317,900
 
$
6.22
 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP 142-3”). The standard requires entities to consider their own historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements when developing assumptions regarding the useful lives of intangible assets and also mandates certain related disclosure requirements. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of FSP 142-3 on its consolidated financial statements.

All other new and recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements have been deemed to be not relevant to the Company and therefore are not expected to have any impact once adopted.

9


2.   SEGMENT INFORMATION

Prior to 2008, the Company operated as two segments. During late 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, management realigned certain production and development functions and eliminated redundant administrative functions and now reports the consolidated business as a single business segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer, who reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, in accordance with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information , the Company has determined that it has a single reporting segment and operating unit structure, specifically the provision of an on-demand suite of integrated business management software services.

During 2007, the two segments were the Company’s core operations (the “Smart Online segment”) and the operations of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Smart Commerce (the “Smart Commerce segment”). The Smart Online segment generated revenues from the development and distribution of Internet-delivered SaaS small business applications through a variety of subscription, integration, and syndication channels. The Smart Commerce segment derived its revenues primarily from subscriptions to the Company’s multi-channel e-commerce systems, including domain name registration and e-mail solutions, e-commerce solutions, website design, and website hosting, as well as consulting services. The Company included costs that were not allocated to specific segments, such as corporate general and administrative expenses and share-based compensation expenses, in the Smart Online segment.

3.    ASSETS & LIABILITIES

Accounts Receivable, Net

The Company typically invoices its customers on a monthly basis for professional services and either upfront or annually for licenses. Management evaluates the need for an allowance for doubtful accounts based on specifically identified amounts believed to be uncollectible. Management also records an additional allowance based on its assessment of the general financial conditions affecting the Company’s customer base. If actual collections experience changes, revisions to the allowance may be required. Based on these criteria, management determined that no allowance for doubtful accounts was required as of December 31, 2007, and management has recorded an allowance of $81,842 as of September 30, 2008.

Contract Receivable, Net

From time to time, the Company, as part of its negotiated contracts, has granted extended payment terms to its strategic partners. As payments become due under the terms of the contract, they are invoiced and reclassified as accounts receivable. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company entered into a web services agreement with a new customer that provided for extended payment terms related to both professional services and the grant of a software license. During the third quarter of 2008, this customer began experiencing cash flow difficulties and slowed its payments to the Company. Based on this, management has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $185,033, representing one half of the outstanding balance, as it continues to work with the customer to resume contractual payments. As of September 30, 2008, the Company has classified $25,033 of this net receivable as non-current.

Prepaid Expenses

In July 2008, the Company entered into a 36-month sublease agreement with Advantis Real Estate Services Company for approximately 9,837 square feet of office space in Durham, North Carolina, into which the Company relocated its headquarters in September 2008. The agreement included the conveyance of certain furniture to the Company without a stated value and required a lump-sum, upfront payment of $500,000 that was made in September 2008. Management has assessed the fair market value of the furniture to be approximately $50,000, and this amount was capitalized and is subject to depreciation in accordance with the Company’s fixed asset policies. The remainder of the payment was recorded as prepaid expense, with the portion relating to rent for periods beyond the next twelve months classified as non-current, and is being amortized to rent expense over the term of the lease.

10


Deferred Financing Costs

To assist the Company in securing a modification to its line of credit with Wachovia Bank, NA (“Wachovia”), Atlas Capital, SA (“Atlas”) provided Wachovia with a standby letter of credit. In exchange for Atlas providing Wachovia with the modified letter of credit, on January 15, 2007 the Company issued Atlas a warrant to purchase 444,444 shares of common stock at $2.70 per share. The fair value of that warrant was $734,303 as measured using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model at the time the warrant was issued. This amount was recorded as deferred financing costs and was amortized to interest expense in the amount of $37,657 per month over the remaining period of the modified line of credit, which was scheduled to expire in August 2008. In February 2008, the Wachovia line of credit was replaced by a new line of credit with Paragon Commercial Bank (“Paragon”) as described in Note 4, “Notes Payable.” Atlas agreed to provide Paragon a new standby letter of credit and the Company agreed to amend the Atlas warrant agreement to provide that the warrant is exercisable within 30 business days of the termination of the Paragon line of credit or if the Company is in default under the terms of the line of credit with Paragon. As of September 30, 2008, the deferred financing costs were fully amortized to interest expense.

Capitalized Software, Net

SFAS No. 86 requires capitalization of certain software development costs subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility, with costs incurred prior to this time expensed as research and development. Technological feasibility is established when all planning, designing, coding, and testing activities that are necessary to establish that the product can be produced to meet its design specifications have been completed. Historically, the Company had not developed detailed design plans for its SaaS applications, and the costs incurred between the completion of a working model of these applications and the point at which the products were ready for general release had been insignificant. These factors, combined with the historically low revenue generated by the sale of the applications that do not support the net realizable value of any capitalized costs, resulted in the continued expensing of underlying costs as research and development.

Beginning in May 2008, the Company determined that it was strategically desirable to develop an industry standard platform and enhance the current SaaS applications. A detailed design plan indicated that the product was technologically feasible. In July 2008, development commenced, and as of September 30, 2008, $120,191 in associated costs were capitalized in accordance with SFAS No. 86. As this platform is still under development, the Company has recognized no amortization expense as of September 30, 2008.

Accrued Liabilities

At December 31, 2007, the Company had accrued liabilities totaling $603,338. This amount consisted primarily of $204,000 of liability accrued related to the development of the Company’s custom accounting application; $250,000 related to legal reserves (see Note 7, “Commitments and Contingencies”); $45,308 due a customer for overpayment of its account; $30,040 of accrued commissions; and $33,733 of convertible note interest payable.

At September 30, 2008, accrued liabilities totaled $477,647. This amount consisted primarily of $120,666 of liability related to the above-noted development of the Company’s custom accounting application; $137,500 related to legal reserves (see Note 7, “Commitments and Contingencies”); $26,335 for tax-related liabilities associated with the vesting of restricted stock; $96,602 of loss estimated on a long-term customer contract; $18,360 of accrued commissions; and $51,934 of convertible note interest payable.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue comprises the following items:

·
Subscription Fees - short-term and long-term portions of cash received related to one- or two-year subscriptions for domain names and/or email accounts

·
License Fees - licensing revenue where customers did not meet all the criteria of SOP 97-2. Such deferred revenue will be recognized as cash is delivered or collectibility becomes probable.

The components of deferred revenue for the periods indicated were as follows:

11


   
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
 
           
Subscription fees
 
$
126,431
 
$
197,117
 
License fees
   
120,000
   
380,000
 
BALANCE
 
$
246,431
 
$
577,117
 
               
Current portion
 
$
164,459
 
$
329,805
 
Non-current portion
   
81,972
   
247,312
 
Total
 
$
246,431
 
$
577,117
 

4.   NOTES PAYABLE

Convertible Notes

On November 14, 2007, in an initial closing, the Company sold $3.3 million aggregate principal amount of secured subordinated convertible notes due November 14, 2010 (the “Initial Notes”). In addition, the noteholders committed to purchase on a pro rata basis up to $5.2 million aggregate principal of secured subordinated notes in future closings upon approval and call by the Company’s Board of Directors. On August 12, 2008, the Company exercised its option to sell $1.5 million aggregate principal of additional secured subordinated notes due November 14, 2010, with substantially the same terms and conditions as the Initial Notes (the “Additional Notes,” and collectively with the Initial Notes, the “notes”). In connection with the sale of the Additional Notes, the noteholders holding a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding agreed to increase the aggregate principal amount of secured subordinated convertible notes that they are committed to purchase from $8.5 million to $15.3 million, of which $4.8 million is currently outstanding.

The Company is obligated to pay interest on the Initial Notes and the Additional Notes at an annualized rate of 8% payable in quarterly installments commencing on February 14, 2008 and November 12, 2008, respectively. The Company is not permitted to prepay the notes without approval of the holders of at least a majority of the principal amount of the notes then outstanding.

On the earlier of the maturity date of November 14, 2010 or a merger or acquisition or other transaction pursuant to which existing stockholders of the Company hold less than 50% of the surviving entity, or the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, or similar transaction, or event of default, each noteholder in its sole discretion shall have the option to:

·
convert the principal then outstanding on its notes into shares of the Company’s common stock, or

·
receive immediate repayment in cash of the notes, including any accrued and unpaid interest.
 
If a noteholder elects to convert its notes under these circumstances, the conversion price of notes:
 
·
issued in the initial closing on November 14, 2007 shall be $3.05; and
 
 
·
issued on August 12, 2008 shall be the lower of $3.05 or the average of the closing bid and asked prices of shares of the Company’s common stock quoted in the Over-The-Counter Market Summary (or, if the Company’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market or another exchange, the closing price of shares of the Company’s common stock quoted on such exchange) averaged over five trading days prior to the closing date of the sale of the Additional Notes.

Payment of the notes will be automatically accelerated if the Company enters voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.

The notes and the common stock into which they may be converted have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. As a result, offers and sales of the notes were made pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act and only made to accredited investors that were the Company’s existing stockholders. The investors in the Initial Notes include (i) The Blueline Fund, which originally recommended Philippe Pouponnot, a former director of the Company, for appointment to the Company’s Board of Directors; (ii) Atlas, an affiliate of the Company that originally recommended Shlomo Elia, one of the Company’s current directors, for appointment to the Board of Directors; (iii) Crystal Management Ltd. (“Crystal”), which is owned by Doron Roethler, who subsequently became Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and serves as the noteholders’ bond representative; and (iv) William Furr, who is the father of Thomas Furr, who, at the time, was one of the Company’s directors and executive officers. The investors in the Additional Notes are Atlas and Crystal.

12


In addition, if the Company proposes to file a registration statement to register any of its common stock under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash, subject to certain limitations, the Company shall give each noteholder who has converted its notes into common stock the opportunity to include such shares of converted common stock in the registration. The Company has agreed to bear the expenses for any of these registrations, exclusive of any stock transfer taxes, underwriting discounts, and commissions.

On November 6, 2007, Canaccord Adams Inc. agreed to waive any rights it held under its January 2007 engagement letter with the Company that it may have with respect to the convertible note offering, including the right to receive any fees in connection with the offering.

Line of Credit

As of December 31, 2007, the Company owed $2,052,000 under a line of credit with Wachovia. On February 15, 2008, the Company repaid the full outstanding principal balance of $2,052,000 and accrued interest of $2,890.

On February 20, 2008, the Company entered into a revolving credit arrangement with Paragon. The line of credit advanced by Paragon is $2.47 million and can be used for general working capital. Any advances made on the line of credit must be paid off no later than February 19, 2009, with monthly payments being applied first to accrued interest and then to principal. The interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance at the Wall Street Journal’s published prime rate minus one-half percent. The line of credit is secured by an irrevocable standby letter of credit in the amount of $2.5 million issued by HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA with Atlas, a current stockholder and affiliate of the Company, as account party. This letter of credit expires on February 18, 2010, and the Paragon letter of credit is renewable so long as the letter of credit remains in force. The Company also has agreed with Atlas that in the event of a default by the Company in the repayment of the line of credit that results in the letter of credit being drawn, the Company shall reimburse Atlas any sums that Atlas is required to pay under such letter of credit. At the sole discretion of the Company, these payments may be made in cash or by issuing shares of the Company’s common stock at a set per share price of $2.50.

In consideration for Atlas providing the Paragon letter of credit, the Company agreed to amend the warrant agreement with Atlas to provide that the warrant is exercisable within 30 business days of the termination of the Paragon line of credit or if the Company is in default under the terms of the line of credit.

As of September 30, 2008, the Company had notes payable totaling $6,441,117. The detail of these notes is as follows:

Note Description
 
Short-Term
Portion
 
Long-Term
Portion
 
TOTAL
 
Maturity
 
Rate
 
Paragon Commercial Bank credit line
 
$
1,517,929
 
$
-
 
$
1,517,929
   
Feb ‘09
   
Prime less 0.5
%
Various capital leases
   
25,403
   
34,136
   
59,539
   
Various
   
11-19
%
Insurance premium note
   
63,649
   
-
   
63,649
   
Jul ‘09
   
6.1
%
Convertible notes
   
-
   
4,800,000
   
4,800,000
   
Nov ‘10
   
8.0
%
                                               
TOTAL
 
$
1,606,981
 
$
4,834,136
 
$
6,441,117
             

5.   STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
 
Common Stock
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, 70,000 shares of restricted stock were issued. These restricted stock awards included 32,000 shares issued to the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer received an additional 3,000 shares of restricted stock that had been previously promised to him in connection with his initial hiring in an August 2007 offer letter. Additionally, in June 2008 certain members of the Board of Directors received restricted stock awards that accounted for the remaining 35,000 shares of restricted stock issued.

13


During the first nine months of 2008 and in conjunction with their termination of employment, the Company accelerated vesting with respect to 31,250 shares of restricted stock previously issued to the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, former Chief Operating Officer, and former in-house legal counsel. The Company recorded $92,281 of expense related to the accelerated vesting of these shares including $31,500 that had been accrued during the fourth quarter of 2007. Additionally, net of the accelerated vesting discussed above, 53,341   shares of restricted stock were accounted for as forfeited during the first nine months of 2008 due to resignations, terminations, payment of employee tax obligations resulting from share vesting, and conversions to stock options. The forfeited shares included 15,625 shares issued to the former Chief Operating Officer, 10,000 shares issued to the former Chief Financial Officer, 7,500 shares issued to a former director, 7,500 shares exchanged by a current director for stock options, 2,051 shares issued to employees used to satisfy tax obligations, and 10,665 shares issued to former employees.

In a transaction that closed on February 21, 2007, the Company sold an aggregate of 2,352,941 shares of its common stock to two new investors (the “Investors”). The private placement shares were sold at $2.55 per share pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) between the Company and each of the Investors. The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company were $6 million, and the Company incurred issuance costs of approximately $637,000. Under the SPA, the Company issued the Investors warrants for the purchase of an aggregate of 1,176,471 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. These warrants contain a provision for cashless exercise and must be exercised, if at all, by February 21, 2010.
 
The Company and each of the Investors also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Investor RRA”) whereby the Company had an obligation to register the shares for resale by the Investors by filing a registration statement within 30 days of the closing of the private placement, and to have the registration statement declared effective 60 days after actual filing, or 90 days after actual filing if the SEC reviewed the registration statement. If a registration statement was not timely filed or declared effective by the date set forth in the Investor RRA, the Company would have been obligated to pay a cash penalty of 1% of the purchase price on the day after the filing or declaration of effectiveness was due, and 0.5% of the purchase price per every 30-day period thereafter, to be prorated for partial periods, until the Company fulfilled these obligations. Under no circumstances could the aggregate penalty for late registration or effectiveness exceed 10% of the aggregate purchase price. Under the terms of the Investor RRA, the Company could not offer for sale or sell any securities until May 22, 2007, subject to certain limited exceptions, unless, in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, such offer or sale did not jeopardize the availability of exemptions from the registration and qualification requirements under applicable securities laws with respect to this placement. On March 28, 2007, the Company entered into an amendment to the Investor RRA with each Investor to extend the registration filing obligation date by an additional eleven calendar days. On April 3, 2007, the Company filed the registration statement within the extended filing obligation period, thereby avoiding the first potential penalty. Effective July 2, 2007, the Company entered into another amendment to the Investor RRA to extend the registration effectiveness obligation date to July 31, 2007. On July 31, 2007, the SEC declared the registration statement effective. Accordingly, the Company met all of its requirements under the amended Investor RRA and no penalties were incurred.

As part of the commission paid to Canaccord Adams Inc. (“CA”), the Company’s placement agent in the transaction described above, CA was issued a warrant to purchase 35,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.55 per share. This warrant contains a provision for cashless exercise and must be exercised by February 21, 2012. CA and the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “CA RRA”). Under the CA RRA, the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant were required to be included on the same registration statement the Company was obligated to file under the Investor RRA described above, but CA was not entitled to any penalties for late registration or effectiveness.

As incentive to modify a letter of credit relating to the Wachovia line of credit (see Note 4, “Notes Payable”), the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Warrant and Agreement (the “Warrant Agreement”) with Atlas on January 15, 2007. Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, Atlas received a warrant to purchase up to 444,444 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.70 per share at the termination of the line of credit or if the Company is in default under the terms of the line of credit with Wachovia. In connection with entering the line of credit with Paragon on February 20, 2008, the Warrant Agreement was amended to provide that the warrant is exercisable within 30 business days of the termination of the Paragon line of credit or if the Company is in default under the terms of the line of credit. If the warrant is exercised in full, it will result in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $1,200,000.

14


On March 29, 2007, the Company issued 55,666 shares of its common stock to certain investors as registration penalties for its failure to timely file a registration statement covering shares owned by those investors as required pursuant to amendments to registration rights agreements between such investors and the Company. On July 20, 2007, the Company issued 27,427 additional shares as registration penalties to certain investors who did not enter into amendments to certain registration rights agreements.

In January 2008, the Company issued 28,230 shares of common stock to a consulting firm as full payment of the outstanding obligation related to fees accrued for services rendered in conjunction with the 2005 acquisitions of iMart Incorporated and Computility, Inc. At December 31, 2007, these obligations were included in the current portion of notes payable and in accrued liabilities in the amounts of $228,359 and $187, respectively.
 
Equity Compensation Plans
 
In June 2007, the Company temporarily limited the issuance of shares of its common stock reserved under the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan to awards of restricted or unrestricted stock and in June 2008 again made options available for grant under the plan. In January 2008, a former officer of the Company exercised options to purchase 69,930 shares of the Company’s common stock in a cashless exercise whereby the former officer tendered to the Company 38,462 shares of common stock previously held by the former officer. In June 2008, the same former officer exercised options to purchase 180,070 shares of the Company’s common stock in a cashless exercise whereby the former officer tendered to the Company 80,469 shares of the Company’s common stock previously held by the former officer. Also in June 2008, a member of the Board of Directors was granted an option to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock under the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan. In September 2008, a member of the Board of Directors was granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock under the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan in exchange for the forfeiture of 7,500 shares of restricted stock. During the first nine months of 2008, options to purchase 1,036,400 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $1.43 to $9.82 were forfeited by former employees, officers, directors, and consultants of the Company.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at September 30, 2008:

               
Currently Exercisable
 
Exercise
Price
 
Number of
Shares
Outstanding
 
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
From $2.50 to $3.50
   
100,000
   
7.5
 
$
3.20
   
66,000
 
$
3.19
 
$5.00
   
31,200
   
6.4
 
$
5.00
   
21,200
 
$
5.00
 
$7.00
   
75,000
   
7.0
 
$
7.00
   
75,000
 
$
7.00
 
From $8.61 to $9.00
   
111,500
   
6.6
 
$
8.74
   
63,300
 
$
8.72
 
$9.60
   
200
   
7.0
 
$
9.60
   
120
 
$
9.60
 

Dividends

The Company has not paid any cash dividends through September 30, 2008.
 
6.   MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Company derives a significant portion of its revenues from certain customer relationships. The following is a summary of customers that represent greater than ten percent of total revenues for their respective time periods:

15


       
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2008
 
   
Revenue Type
 
Revenues
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
Customer A
   
Subscription fees
 
$
360,109
   
23
%
Customer B
   
Subscription fees
   
213,384
   
14
%
Customer C
   
Professional services
   
465,750
   
29
%
Customer D
   
License fees/ professional services
   
400,000
   
25
%
Others
   
Various
   
147,125
   
9
%
Total
     
$
1,586,368
   
100
%

   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
   
Revenue Type
 
Revenues
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
Customer B
   
Subscription fees
 
$
425,778
   
30
%
Customer C
   
Professional services
   
327,937
   
23
%
Customer E
   
License fees/ professional services
   
218,330
   
15
%
Others
   
Various
   
457,150
   
32
%
Total
       
$
1,429,195
   
100
%

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
 
   
Revenue Type
 
Revenues
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
Customer A
   
Subscription fees
 
$
1,019,600
   
22
%
Customer B
   
Subscription fees
   
882,387
   
19
%
Customer C
   
Professional services
   
1,250,747
   
26
%
Others
   
Various
   
1,582,150
   
33
%
Total
       
$
4,734,884
   
100
%

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
   
Revenue Type
 
Revenues
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
Customer B
   
Subscription fees
 
$
1,562,319
   
44
%
Customer C
   
Professional services
   
754,493
   
21
%
Others
   
Various
   
1,258,699
   
35
%
Total
       
$
3,575,511
   
100
%
 
As of September 30, 2008, two customers accounted for 63% and 21% of net receivables, respectively.   As of December 31, 2007, the Company had three customers that accounted for 42%, 28% and 17% of net receivables, respectively.

16


7.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Please refer to Part I, Item 3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and Part II, Item 1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008 for a description of material legal proceedings, including the proceedings discussed below.

The Company is subject to claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business.

In August 2005, the Company entered into a software assignment and development agreement with the developer of a customized accounting software application. In connection with this agreement, the developer would be paid up to $512,500 and issued up to 32,395 shares of the Company’s common stock based upon the developer attaining certain milestones. As of September 30, 2008, the Company had paid $470,834 and issued 3,473 shares of common stock related to this obligation.

On October 18, 2007, Robyn L. Gooden filed a purported class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina naming the Company, certain of its current and former officers and directors, Maxim Group, LLC, and Jesup & Lamont Securities Corp. as defendants. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of all persons other than the defendants who purchased the Company’s securities from May 2, 2005 through September 28, 2007 and were damaged. The complaint asserts violations of federal securities laws, including violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5. The complaint asserts that the defendants made material and misleading statements with the intent to mislead the investing public and conspired in a fraudulent scheme to manipulate trading in the Company’s stock, allegedly causing plaintiffs to purchase the stock at an inflated price. The complaint requests certification of the plaintiff as class representative and seeks, among other relief, unspecified compensatory damages including interest, plus reasonable costs and expenses including counsel fees and expert fees. On June 24, 2008, the court entered an order appointing a lead plaintiff for the class action. On September 8, 2008, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint which added additional defendants who had served as directors or officers of the Company during the class period as well the Company’s independent auditor.

During April 2008, the Company received approximately $95,000 in insurance reimbursement for previously disputed legal expenses primarily related to previously disclosed SEC matters. During August 2008, the Company and the insurance carrier agreed that the carrier would reimburse it $300,000 for previously disputed legal expenses primarily related to its previously disclosed SEC matters. The reimbursement covered all disputed Company expenses prior to September 11, 2007 as well as certain enumerated invoices in dispute for the balance of 2007, and it was received by the Company. Because the outcome of the dispute was unclear, the Company expensed all legal costs with respect to the SEC matters and the Company’s 2006 internal investigation as incurred. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, both reimbursements have been recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as a gain on legal settlements.

On July 14, 2008, the Company filed a civil action against a former employee in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, Durham County, North Carolina. The complaint alleged that the former employee embezzled funds from the Company in the amount of $105,600 and asserted claims for conversion and unfair trade practices. The lawsuit sought recovery for the embezzled funds, plus punitive damages or treble damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees. On August 25, 2008, the Company obtained a judgment against the former employee in the amount of $105,599.94, trebled to $316,799.82 pursuant to the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practice Statute, plus interest at 8% from the date of filing the complaint, and all court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees existing as of the date of the judgment and as may accrue from time to time until the judgment is paid in full. The Company is in the process of attempting to collect on the judgment.

At this time, the Company is not able to determine the likely outcome of the Company’s current pending legal matters, nor can it estimate its potential financial exposure. Management has made an initial estimate based upon its knowledge, experience, and input from legal counsel, and the Company has accrued approximately $137,500 of legal reserves. Such reserves will be adjusted in future periods as more information becomes available. If an unfavorable resolution of any of these matters occurs, the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

17


8.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Convertible Note Financing. On November 12, 2008, the Company notified all current noteholders that it has exercised its option to sell $1.5 million aggregate principal of additional secured subordinated notes due November 14, 2010 (the “New Notes”) with substantially the same terms and conditions as the outstanding notes, as described in Note 4, “Notes Payable,” above, in a closing to occur on or before December 31, 2008. The Company will be obligated to pay interest on the New Notes at an annualized rate of 8% payable in quarterly installments commencing three months after the closing date. The Company plans to use the proceeds to meet ongoing working capital and capital spending requirements.

Item 2.      Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements consist of, among other things, trend analyses, statements regarding future events, future financial performance, our plan to build our business and the related expenses, our anticipated growth, trends in our business, the effect of interest rate fluctuations on our business, the potential impact of current litigation or any future litigation, the potential availability of tax assets in the future and related matters, and the sufficiency of our capital resources, all of which are based on current expectations, estimates, and forecasts, and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” variations of such words, and similar expressions also are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Readers are directed to risks and uncertainties identified under Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in this report, for factors that may cause actual results to be different than those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Overview

We develop and market software products and services targeted to small businesses that are delivered via a Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, model. We also provide website consulting services, primarily in the e-commerce retail industry. We reach small businesses primarily through arrangements with channel partners that private-label our software applications and market them to their customer bases through their corporate websites. We believe these relationships provide a cost- and time-efficient way to market to a diverse and fragmented yet very sizeable small business sector.
 
Prior to 2008, we operated our company as two segments. During late 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, management realigned certain production and development functions and eliminated redundant administrative functions and now reports the consolidated business as a single business segment. During 2007, the two segments were our core operations, or the Smart Online segment, and the operations of our wholly-owned subsidiary Smart Commerce, Inc., or the Smart Commerce segment. The Smart Online segment generated revenues from the development and distribution of Internet-delivered SaaS small business applications through a variety of channels. The Smart Commerce segment derived its revenues primarily from subscriptions to our multi-channel e-commerce systems, including registration and e-mail solutions, e-commerce solutions, and website design; as well as website hosting and consulting services. We included costs that were not allocated to specific segments, such as corporate general and administrative expenses and share-based compensation expenses, in the Smart Online segment. We continue to evaluate the factors that will form the basis of our segmentation going forward.

During 2007, we began providing software solutions and services to sizeable small business markets dealing with regulatory demands that could not be met adequately by existing low-cost and easy-to-use software solutions. These efforts have led to the launch of software solutions for partners in the food safety, multi-level marketing, and real estate industries. We are continuing to target other segments in the small business industry that may require such regulatory-focused software solutions and services and to market our experience with developing software solutions and services to meet these needs.

18


In the second half of 2007, we commenced an overall evaluation of our business model as well as our current technologies, the outcome of which was the decision to develop a core industry standard platform for small business with an architecture designed to integrate with a virtually unlimited number of other applications, services, and existing i nfrastructures . These applications would include not only our own small business applications, which we are currently optimizing, but also other applications we expect to arise from collaborative partnerships with third-party developers and service providers. In addition, we identified emerging market opportunities in the small business segment to leverage social networking and community-building. We are currently refining and integrating these capabilities into the core platform to be readily available in a “plug-and-play” fashion to meet any anticipated customer need or desire. We believe that this platform and associated applications will provide opportunities for new sources of revenue, including an increase in our subscription fees. Because the platform is designed to follow industry standard protocol, we also believe that the customization efforts and associated timeline previously necessary to meet a particular customer’s requirements will diminish significantly, allowing us to shorten the sale-to-revenue cycle.   As we near completion of the development of our industry standard platform, we are shifting our focus from development toward the sales and marketing of the new platform in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Sources of Revenue

We derive revenues from the following sources:

·
Subscription fees  – monthly fees charged to customers for access to our SaaS applications
 
·
License fees  – fees charged for perpetual or term licensing of platforms or applications
 
·
Professional service fees  – fees related to consulting services, some of which complement our other products and applications
 
·
Other revenues  – revenues generated from non-core activities such as syndication and integration fees; original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, contracts; and miscellaneous other revenues
 
Our current primary focus is to target those established companies that have both a substantial base of small business customers as well as a recognizable and trusted brand name in specific market segments. Our goal is to enter into partnerships with these established companies whereby they private-label our products and offer them to their small business customers. We believe the combination of the magnitude of their customer bases and their trusted brand names and recognition will help drive our subscription volume.

Subscription fees primarily consist of sales of subscriptions through private-label marketing partners to end users. We typically have a revenue share arrangement with these private-label marketing partners in order to encourage them to market our products and services to their customers. We make subscription sales either on a subscription or on a “for fee” basis. Applications for which subscriptions are available vary from our own portal to the websites of our partners. Subscriptions are generally payable on a monthly basis and are typically paid via credit card of the individual end user or the aggregating entity. We are focusing our efforts on enlisting new channel partners as well as diversifying with vertical intermediaries in various industries.

License fees consist of perpetual or term license agreements for the use of the Smart Online platform, the Smart Commerce platform, or any of our applications.

We generate professional service fees from our consulting services. For example, a partner may request that we re-design its website to better accommodate our products or to improve its own website traffic. We typically bill professional service fees on a time and material basis. Hosting and maintenance fees are generated as the services are provided.

Other revenues primarily consist of non-core revenue sources such as syndication and integration fees, miscellaneous web services, and OEM revenue generated through sales of our applications bundled with products offered by other manufacturers.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues primarily is composed of salaries associated with maintaining and supporting integration and syndication partners, the cost of domain name and email registrations, and the cost of external hosting facilities associated with maintaining and supporting our partners and end user customers.

19


Operating Expenses

For the balance of 2008, we expect our primary business initiatives to include increasing subscription fee revenue, making organizational improvements, concentrating our development efforts on enhancements and customization of our platforms and applications, and shifting our strategic focus to the sales and marketing of our products.
 
General and Administrative . General and administrative expenses consist of salaries and related expenses for executive, finance and accounting, legal, human resources, and information technology personnel; professional fees; depreciation and amortization expenses; insurance; and other corporate expenses, including facilities costs. We anticipate general and administrative expenses will increase as we incur additional professional fees and insurance costs related to the growth of our business and our operations as a public company. We expect to continue to incur material costs in 2008 related to the civil and criminal complaints filed in September 2007, described in detail in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” in this report and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008.

Sales and Marketing . Historically, we spent limited funds on marketing, advertising, and public relations, particularly due to our business model of partnering with established companies with extensive small business customer bases. In June 2008, we engaged a public relations firm and, as a result, our public relations expenses increased in the third quarter and will continue to do so during the fourth quarter of 2008. As we implement our sales and marketing strategy to take our enhanced products to market, we also expect associated costs to increase in the balance of 2008 due to targeting new partnerships, development of channel partner enablement programs, additional sales and marketing personnel, and the various percentages of revenues we may be required to pay to future partners as marketing fees.

Research and Development . Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 86, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed , or SFAS No. 86, requires capitalization of certain software development costs subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility, with costs incurred prior to this time expensed as research and development. Technological feasibility is established when all planning, designing, coding, and testing activities that are necessary to establish that the product can be produced to meet its design specifications have been completed. Historically, we had not developed detailed design plans for our SaaS applications, and the costs incurred between the completion of a working model of these applications and the point at which the products were ready for general release had been insignificant. These factors, combined with the historically low revenue generated by the sale of the applications that do not support the net realizable value of any capitalized costs, resulted in the continued expensing of underlying costs as research and development.

Beginning in May 2008, we determined that it was strategically desirable to develop an industry standard platform and enhance our current SaaS applications. A detailed design plan indicated that the product was technologically feasible. In July 2008, development commenced, and all related costs from this point in time are being capitalized in accordance with SFAS No. 86. Because of our scalable and secure multi-user architecture, we are able to provide all customers with a service based on a single version of our application. As a result, we do not have to maintain multiple versions, which enables us to incur relatively low development costs as compared to traditional enterprise software business models. As we complete the core development of our new applications during the balance of 2008, we expect that future research and development expenses will decrease in both absolute and relative dollars as we continue to capitalize costs associated with the new platform and reduce our personnel to a core group focused on enhancements and custom development work for customers.

Stock-Based Expenses . Our operating expenses include stock-based expenses related to options, restricted stock awards, and warrants issued to employees and non-employees. These charges have been significant and are reflected in our historical financial results. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment ,   which resulted and will continue to result in material costs on a prospective basis as long as a significant number of options are outstanding. In June 2007, we limited the issuance of awards under our 2004 Equity Compensation Plan, or the 2004 Plan, to awards of restricted or unrestricted stock. In June 2008, we made options available for grant under the 2004 Plan once again, primarily due to the adverse   tax consequences to recipients of restricted stock upon the lapsing of restrictions.

20


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which we prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. “Critical accounting policies and estimates” are defined as those most important to the financial statement presentation and that require the most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Under different assumptions and/or conditions, actual results of operations may materially differ. We periodically reevaluate our critical accounting policies and estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, provision for doubtful accounts and sales returns, expected lives of customer relationships, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, provision for income taxes, valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and contingencies and litigation reserves. Management has consistently applied the same critical accounting policies and estimates which are fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

We derive revenue primarily from subscription fees charged to customers accessing our SaaS applications; the perpetual or term licensing of software platforms or applications; and professional services, consisting of consulting, development, hosting, and maintenance services. These arrangements may include delivery in multiple-element arrangements if the customer purchases a combination of products and/or services. Because we license, sell, lease, or otherwise market computer software, we use the residual method pursuant to American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition , or SOP 97-2, as amended. This method allows us to recognize revenue for a delivered element when such element has vendor specific objective evidence, or VSOE, of the fair value of the delivered element. If we cannot determine or maintain VSOE for an element, it could impact revenues as all or a portion of the revenue from the multiple-element arrangement may need to be deferred.

If multiple-element arrangements involve significant development, modification, or customization or if it we determine that certain elements are essential to the functionality of other elements within the arrangement, we defer revenue until all elements necessary to the functionality of the customer is provided. The determination of whether the arrangement involves significant development, modification, or customization could be complex and require the use of judgment by our management.

Under SOP 97-2, provided the arrangement does not require significant development, modification, or customization, we recognize revenue when all of the following criteria have been met:

1.
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists

2.
delivery has occurred

3.
the fee is fixed or determinable

4.
collectibility is probable

If at the inception of an arrangement the fee is not fixed or determinable, we defer revenue until the arrangement fee becomes due and payable. If we deem collectibility not probable, we defer revenue until we receive payment or collection becomes probable, whichever is earlier. The determination of whether fees are collectible requires the judgment of our management, and the amount and timing of revenue recognition may change if different assessments are made.

Under the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables , we account for consulting, website design fees, and application development services separately from the license of associated software platforms when these services have value to the customer and there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of each deliverable. When accounted for separately, revenues are recognized as the services are rendered for time and material contracts, and when milestones are achieved and accepted by the customer for fixed-price or long-term contracts. The majority of our consulting service contracts are on a time and material basis and are typically billed monthly based upon standard professional service rates.

21


Application development services are typically fixed price and of a longer term. As such, we account for these services as long-term construction contracts that require revenue recognition to be based on estimates involving total costs to complete and the stage of completion. The assumptions and estimates made to determine the total costs and stage of completion may affect the timing of revenue recognition, with changes in estimates of progress to completion and costs to complete accounted for as cumulative catch-up adjustments. If the criteria for revenue recognition on construction-type contracts are not met, we capitalize the associated costs of such projects and include them in costs in excess of billings on the balance sheet until such time that revenue recognition is permitted.

Subscription fees primarily consist of sales of subscriptions through private-label marketing partners to end users. We typically have a revenue share arrangement with these private-label marketing partners in order to encourage them to market our products and services to their customers. Subscriptions are generally payable on a monthly basis and are typically paid via credit card of the individual end user or the aggregating entity. Any payments received in advance of the subscription period are accrued as deferred revenue and amortized over the subscription period.

Because our customers generally do not have the contractual right to take possession of the software we license or market at any time, we recognize revenue on hosting and maintenance fees as the services are provided in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-3, Application of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Arrangements That Include the Right to Use Software Stored on Another Entity’s Hardware .

We are currently facing legal actions from stockholders that relate to the charges filed against our former Chief Executive Officer described in Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” in this report. At this time, we are not able to determine the likely outcome of our currently pending legal matters, nor can we estimate our potential financial exposure. Management has made an initial estimate based upon its knowledge, experience, and input from legal counsel, and we have accrued approximately $137,500 of legal reserves. Such reserves will be adjusted in future periods as more information becomes available.

Overview of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007

Total revenues were $1,586,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $1,429,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $157,000, or 11%. Gross profit increased $102,000, or 8%, to $1,363,000 from $1,261,000. Operating expenses increased $227,000, or 9%, to $2,897,000 from $2,670,000. Net loss decreased $171,000, or 11%, to $1,392,000 from $1,563,000.

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2008
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2007
 
           
REVENUES:
             
Subscription fees
   
41
%
 
58
%
Professional service fees
   
39
%
 
26
%
License fees
   
18
%
 
14
%
Other revenue
   
2
%
 
2
%
               
Total revenues
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
             
COST OF REVENUES
   
14
%
 
12
%
 
             
GROSS PROFIT
   
86
%
 
88
%
 
             
OPERATING EXPENSES:
             
General and administrative
   
79
%
 
98
%
Sales and marketing
   
45
%
 
44
%
Research and development
   
59
%
 
45
%
 
             
Total operating expenses
   
183
%
 
187
%
 
             
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
   
(97
)%
 
(99
)%
 
             
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
             
Interest expense, net
   
(9
)%
 
(10
)%
Legal reserve and debt forgiveness, net
   
0
%
 
(2
)%
Gain on legal settlements, net
   
18
%
 
0
%
Other income
   
0
%
 
2
%
               
Total other income (expense)
   
9
%
 
(10
)%
               
NET LOSS
   
(88
)%
 
(109
)%

22


Comparison of the Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007

Revenues. Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $1,586,000 compared to $1,429,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $157,000, or 11%. This overall increase in revenues was primarily attributable to increases in professional service fees and license fees, offset in part by a decrease in subscription fees.

Subscription Fees - Subscription fees for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $643,000 compared to $831,000 for the same period in 2007, representing a decrease of $188,000, or 23%. This decrease is primarily due to a 65% decline in active subscribers to whom we provide e-commerce, domain name, and email services for use as members of one of our primary customers, a direct-selling organization. The customer instituted an initiative in early 2008 to bring these services in-house, and we have experienced a steady migration from our platform each month.

Professional Service Fees - Professional service fees for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $621,000 compared to $378,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $243,000, or 64%. This increase is primarily due to a number of website infrastructure upgrade projects completed in the third quarter of 2008 for a significant e-commerce retail customer. Because new customers typically contract for significant upfront professional services, professional service fees generally increase in advance of the associated subscription revenues. Professional service fees accounted for approximately 39% of third quarter 2008 revenues as compared to approximately 26% for third quarter 2007. We expect professional service fees will continue to represent a greater portion of total revenues for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.

License Fees - License fees for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $291,000 compared to $200,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $91,000, or 46%. This increase is primarily the result of recognition in September 2008 of a perpetual license that had previously been classified as deferred revenue in prior periods because not all criteria of SOP 97-2 had been met.

Other Revenue - Other revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008 totaled $31,000 compared to $20,000 for the same period in 2007. This revenue is generated from non-core activities. We expect these revenue streams to continue to be insignificant in the future as we continue our strategy of focusing on the growth of our subscription and license revenues.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $224,000 compared to $168,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $56,000, or 33%. This increase is primarily due to more domain name registrations and credit card processing fees resulting from a higher turnover rate of members of our direct-selling organization customers, as well as our introduction of business card printing services to these members beginning in early 2008.

23


Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $2,897,000 compared to $2,670,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $227,000, or 9%. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in sales and marketing and research and development expenses, offset in part by a decrease in general and administrative expenses.
 
General and Administrative - General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $1,246,000 compared to $1,398,000 for the same period in 2007, representing a decrease of $152,000, or 11%. This decrease is primarily due to a $108,000 reduction in salaries resulting from the termination or reassignment of several employees in connection with restructuring efforts, a $113,000 reduction in stock-based compensation expense resulting from our decision in June 2007 (which was later reversed) to limit future stock option grants, a reduction in outside consulting services   of $84,000, a reduction in franchise taxes of $17,000, a reduction in Board member compensation of $13,000 as a result of our current Chairman of the Board not accepting cash consideration for his services, and $69,000 in non-recurring   legal costs associated with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, action filed against us in September 2007. These reductions were offset in part by increases of $47,000 in outside accounting and recruiting fees as we transitioned to our permanent Chief Financial Officer and bad debt expense of $222,000 recorded in the third quarter of 2008. We anticipate that general and administrative expenses will continue to decrease in the fourth quarter of 2008 as our legal and professional fees are reduced. In addition, on July 1, 2008, our management initiated a restructuring program aimed at realigning certain production and development functions as well as eliminating redundant administrative functions. The objective was to reduce operating and administrative expenses in fiscal 2008 by consolidating significant operations in our Durham, North Carolina headquarters location. The program included severance of our employees located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was completed in the third quarter of 2008 at an approximate cost of $55,000. We also anticipate that general and administrative expenses will decrease in the fourth quarter of 2008 as a result of these actions.

Sales and Marketing - Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $710,000 compared to $635,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $75,000, or 12%. This increase is primarily attributable to $58,000 in increased wages resulting from additional sales and marketing personnel added during 2008, including new Vice President of Sales and Sr. Director of Marketing positions in the third quarter of 2008, as we began to shift our strategy from the development of a new platform to the sales and marketing of that platform. The increase was also attributable to $25,000 in public relations expenses resulting from the addition of a firm on retainer. We expect sales and marketing expenses to increase substantially in the fourth quarter of 2008 as we shift our focus from development to selling and marketing activities.

Research and Development - Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $941,000 compared to $637,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $304,000, or 48%. This increase is primarily due to a $186,000 increase in outside contractors (net of such costs included in capitalized software on our balance sheet) engaged to assist in a backlog of development projects, a $30,000 increase in employee development methodology training, a $97,000 estimated loss on a long-term customer contract recorded in the third quarter of 2008, and a net increase of $7,000 in development wages and related payroll expenses (net of such costs included in capitalized software on our balance sheet) as we added new   employees in North Carolina in preparation for the restructuring of our Michigan operations in July 2008, as discussed above. We expect research and development expenses to decrease in the fourth quarter of 2008 as our focus moves to the marketing and sale of our newly enhanced products and as a relatively larger percentage of our costs are capitalized in accordance with SFAS No. 86.

Other Income (Expense)

We incurred net interest expense of $151,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to net interest expense of $139,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $12,000, or 9%. Interest expense totaled $179,000 and $178,000 and interest income totaled $28,000 and $35,000 during the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, we carried a higher balance on our line of credit with Paragon Commercial Bank, or Paragon, but this increase in interest was offset in part by completion of the amortization of the stock purchase warrant and agreement with Atlas as described in Note 5, “Stockholders’ Equity,” to the consolidated financial statements in this report. Interest income during the third quarter of 2008 was primarily attributable to interest accrued on the note receivable with a customer; however, it is lower than the same quarter in 2007 due to the higher level of money market interest earned on the cash proceeds of the February 2007 private placement also described in Note 5, “Stockholders’ Equity,” to the consolidated financial statements in this report.

24




Overview of Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007

Total revenues were $4,735,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $3,576,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $1,159,000, or 32%. Gross profit increased $878,000, or 27%, to $4,098,000 from $3,220,000. Operating expenses increased $1,468,000, or 21%, to $8,508,000 from $7,040,000. Net loss increased $438,000, or 11%, to $4,525,000 from $4,087,000.

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:

      
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2008
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2007
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
REVENUES:
   
   
 
Subscription fees
   
45
%
 
57
%
Professional service fees
   
45
%
 
28
%
License fees
   
8
%
 
1
%
Other revenue
   
2
%
 
14
%
               
Total revenues
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
   
   
 
COST OF REVENUES
   
13
%
 
10
%
 
   
   
 
GROSS PROFIT
   
87
%
 
90
%
 
   
   
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
   
   
 
General and administrative
   
81
%
 
100
%
Sales and marketing
   
45
%
 
44
%
Research and development
   
54
%
 
53
%
 
   
   
 
Total operating expenses
   
180
%  
 
197
%
 
   
   
 
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
   
(93
)% 
 
(107
)%
 
   
   
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
   
   
 
Interest expense, net
   
(11
)%
 
(11
)%
Legal reserve and debt forgiveness, net
   
0
%
 
(1
)%
Gain on legal settlements, net
   
8
%
 
0
%
Other income
   
0
%
 
5
%
               
Total other income (expense)
   
(3
)%
 
(7
)%
               
NET LOSS
   
(96
)%
 
(114
)%

Comparison of the Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007

Revenues. Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $4,735,000 compared to $3,576,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $1,159,000, or 32%. This overall increase in revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in professional service fees.

Subscription Fees – Subscription fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $2,133,000 compared to $2,040,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $93,000, or 5%. This increase was due to new partnerships under which we began recognizing revenue in the second half of 2007.

25


Professional Service Fees - Professional service fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $2,130,000 compared to $985,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $1,145,000, or 116%. This increase was due to existing customers requesting additional project consulting services for their web initiatives as well as $465,000 associated with the recognition of consulting revenue from new customers added in fiscal 2008. Professional service fees accounted for approximately 45% of revenue for the first nine months of 2008 as compared to approximately 28% for the first nine months of 2007. We expect professional service fees will continue to represent a greater portion of total revenues for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.

License Fees - License fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $395,000 compared to $480,000 for the same period in 2007, representing a decrease of $85,000, or 18%. The license revenue for the first nine months of 2008 was primarily related to a single license agreement signed during 2007 under which $100,000 of the fee was collected during the first quarter of 2008, but for which the revenue was deferred at December 31, 2007 in accordance with the provisions of SOP 97-2; the ratable recognition of $30,000 of a term license that commenced in June 2008; and the recognition of $280,000 in September 2008 relating to a perpetual license. The license revenue for the first nine months of 2007 related to a single perpetual license agreement entered into during the second quarter of 2007.

Other Revenue - Other revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 totaled $77,000 compared to $71,000 for the same period in 2007. This revenue is generated from non-core activities. We expect these revenue streams to continue to be insignificant in the future as we continue our strategy of focusing on the growth of our subscription and license revenues.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $636,000 compared to $356,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $280,000, or 79%. This increase was primarily the result of incremental costs incurred in connection with supporting several new customers acquired in the latter part of 2007 and first part of 2008 as well as a higher turnover rate of members of existing direct-selling organization customers. These incremental costs include additional call center personnel salaries and related payroll expenses of $100,000, hosting costs of $61,000, and credit card processing of $33,000. In addition, we incurred costs of $45,000 as a result of the introduction of business card printing services to direct-selling organization members in early 2008.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $8,508,000 compared to $7,040,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $1,468,000, or 21%. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in sales and marketing and research and development expenses.

General and Administrative - General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $3,823,000 compared to $3,567,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $256,000, or 7%. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in legal costs of $246,000 as we performed a review of our corporate and customer agreements, strengthened our internal controls and review procedures related to the legal function, and incurred fees in connection with the legal proceedings brought during the third quarter of 2007 against us, our former Chief Executive Officer, and a former employee. We also incurred higher professional services, contract labor costs, and recruiting fees in the first nine months of 2008 totaling $171,000 as a result of our engagement of a contract Interim Chief Financial Officer during our search for a new full-time Chief Financial Officer. In addition, during 2007 we began granting restricted stock, but failed to report certain taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock. We accrued $55,000 during the second quarter of 2008 to cover the estimated tax obligations and fees. We self-reported to the Internal Revenue Service regarding this matter and have implemented procedures to ensure full tax compliance going forward. These increases were partially offset by a $233,000 decrease in stock-based compensation expense resulting from our decision in June 2007 (which was later reversed) to limit future stock option grants.

Sales and Marketing - Sales and marketing expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $2,137,000 compared to $1,564,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $573,000, or 37%. This increase is primarily attributable to $291,000 in expense associated with new revenue sharing arrangements added in the latter part of 2007, $44,000 in increased wages resulting from additional sales and marketing personnel added during the first nine months of 2008, increased sales commissions of $99,000, and $60,000 in public relations expenses.

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Research and Development - Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $2,547,000 compared to $1,909,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $638,000, or 33%. This increase is primarily due to increased personnel expenses as we added developers during the last quarter of 2007 and first nine months of 2008 to enhance and customize our platforms and applications and to launch additional private-label sites.

Other Income (Expense)

We incurred net interest expense of $520,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to net interest expense of $401,000 for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $119,000, or 30%. Interest expense totaled $562,000 and $524,000 and interest income totaled $42,000 and $123,000 during the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest expense increased as a direct result of increased indebtedness under lines of credit and $3.3 million and $1.5 million of secured subordinated convertible notes bearing interest at 8% per annum issued in November 2007 and August 2008, respectively. The decrease in interest income is due to lower cash balances in the first nine months of 2008 as the cash proceeds raised in the February 2007 private placement described in Note 5, “Stockholders’ Equity,” to the consolidated financial statements in this report were depleted in operations.

During the first nine months of 2008, we recognized $404,000 in other income, including a $395,000 gain on legal settlements with our insurance carrier as described in Note 7, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the consolidated financial statements in this report.

Provision for Income Taxes

We have not recorded a provision for income tax expense because we have been generating net losses. Furthermore, we have not recorded an income tax benefit for the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to continued substantial uncertainty based on objective evidence regarding our ability to realize our deferred tax assets, thereby warranting a full valuation allowance in our financial statements. We have approximately $47,000,000 in net operating loss carryforwards, which may be utilized to offset future taxable income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2008, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents totaling $31,000 and current accounts receivable of $483,000. As of November 10, 2008, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $45,000 and accounts receivable of approximately $305,000. As of September 30, 2008, we had drawn approximately $1.52 million on our $2.47 million line of credit with Paragon, leaving approximately $950,000 available under the line of credit for our operations. As of November 10, 2008, we had drawn approximately $2.15 million on the Paragon line of credit, leaving approximately $320,000 available under the line of credit for our operations, and we expect to continue to draw down on this line of credit as needed for working capital purposes. During the third quarter of 2008, management established automated sweeps among its accounts at Paragon whereby all available cash at the end of each day is used to pay down the line of credit with Paragon, the purpose of which is to reduce our interest expense. This line of credit expires in February 2009 but is renewable if the underlying irrevocable standby letter of credit remains in force. This letter of credit is currently scheduled to expire in February 2010. As of November 10, 2008, we also have the ability to call up to approximately $10.5 million of additional funding from our convertible noteholders and, on November 12, 2008, we notified the convertible noteholders that we have exercised our option to sell $1.5 million aggregate principal of additional secured subordinated notes in a closing to occur on or before December 31, 2008, as described below under “Recent Developments.”

During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, our working capital deficit increased by approximately $2,701,000 to approximately $1,814,000 compared to a working capital surplus of $887,000 at December 31, 2007. As described more fully below, the working capital deficit at September 30, 2008 is primarily attributable to negative cash flows from operations, including a $120,000 increase in accounts receivable, a $148,000 increase in notes receivable, and a $544,000 increase in prepaid expenses during the first nine months of 2008.

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Cash Flow from Operations . Cash used in operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 totaled $3,980,000, up from $3,319,000 for the same period in 2007. This increase is primarily due to the prepayment of 36 months of rent at our new headquarter   facilities, a decrease in deferred revenue, and a general increase in cash operating costs.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities . Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 totaled $400,000, up from $89,000 for the same period in 2007. This increase is primarily due to the acquisition of furniture and upgrade of computer equipment in connection with our relocation to new headquarter facilities, as well as the capitalization of software costs related to our new platform.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities . Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 totaled $937,000, down from $5,309,000 for the same period in 2007. This decrease is primarily due to cash raised in 2007 from the issuance of common stock as described below, a portion of which was used to reduce debt borrowings. In the first nine months of 2008, the Company again relied upon debt borrowings to help fund operations.

Equity Financing . In a transaction that closed on February 21, 2007, we sold an aggregate of 2,352,941 shares of our common stock to two new investors, or the Investors. The private placement shares were sold at $2.55 per share pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement, or the SPA, between us and each of the Investors. The aggregate gross proceeds to us were $6 million, and we incurred issuance costs of approximately $637,000.   Under the SPA, the Investors were issued warrants for the purchase of an aggregate of 1,176,471 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. These warrants contain a provision for cashless exercise and must be exercised, if at all, by February 21, 2010.

Debt Financing. On February 15, 2008, we repaid the full outstanding principal balance of $2,052,000 and accrued interest of $2,890 outstanding under our revolving credit arrangement with Wachovia Bank, NA, or Wachovia. The line of credit advanced by Wachovia was $2.5 million to be used for general working capital purposes. Any advances made on the line of credit were to be paid off no later than August 1, 2008. The line of credit was secured by our deposit account at Wachovia and the irrevocable standby letter of credit issued by HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA, or HSBC, with Atlas Capital, SA, or Atlas, a current stockholder and affiliate, both of which were released by Wachovia.

On February 20, 2008, we entered into a revolving credit arrangement with Paragon that is subject to annual renewal subject to mutual approval. The line of credit advanced by Paragon is $2.47 million and can be used for general working capital. Any advances made on the line of credit must be paid off no later than February 19, 2009, subject to extension due to renewal, with monthly payments being applied first to accrued interest and then to principal. The interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance at the Wall Street Journal’s published prime rate minus one half percent. As of September 30, 2008, the line of credit was secured by an irrevocable standby letter of credit in the amount of $2.5 million issued by HSBC with Atlas as account party, expiring February 18, 2010. We also have agreed with Atlas that in the event of our default in the repayment of the line of credit that results in the letter of credit being drawn, we will reimburse Atlas any sums that Atlas is required to pay under such letter of credit. At our sole discretion, these payments may be made in cash or by issuing shares of our common stock at a set per share price of $2.50.

This line of credit replaces our line of credit with Wachovia. As an incentive for the letter of credit from Atlas to secure the Wachovia line of credit, we had entered into a stock purchase warrant and agreement with Atlas. Under the terms of the agreement, Atlas received a warrant to purchase up to 444,444 shares of our common stock at $2.70 per share within 30 business days of the termination of the Wachovia line of credit or if we are in default under the terms of the line of credit with Wachovia. In consideration for Atlas providing the Paragon letter of credit, we agreed to amend the agreement to provide that the warrant is exercisable within 30 business days of the termination of the Paragon line of credit or if we are in default under the terms of the line of credit with Paragon.

On November 14, 2007, in an initial closing, we sold $3.3 million aggregate principal amount of secured subordinated convertible notes due November 14, 2010, or the initial notes. In addition, the noteholders committed to purchase on a pro rata basis up to $5.2 million aggregate principal of secured subordinated notes in future closings upon approval and call by our Board of Directors. On August 12, 2008, we exercised our option to sell $1.5 million aggregate principal of additional secured subordinated notes due November 14, 2010, or the additional notes, and together with the initial notes, the notes, with substantially the same terms and conditions as the initial notes. In connection with the sale of the additional notes, the noteholders holding a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding agreed to increase the aggregate principal amount of secured subordinated convertible notes that they are committed to purchase from $8.5 million to $15.3 million, of which $4.8 million is currently outstanding.

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We are obligated to pay interest on the initial notes and the additional notes at an annualized rate of 8% payable in quarterly installments commencing on February 14, 2008 and November 12, 2008, respectively. We are not permitted to prepay the notes without approval of the holders of at least a majority of the principal amount of the notes then outstanding.

On the earlier of the maturity date of November 14, 2010 or a merger or acquisition or other transaction pursuant to which our existing stockholders hold less than 50% of the surviving entity, or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or similar transaction, or event of default, each noteholder in its sole discretion shall have the option to:

·
convert the principal then outstanding on its notes into shares of our common stock, or

·
receive immediate repayment in cash of the notes, including any accrued and unpaid interest.
 
If a noteholder elects to convert its notes under these circumstances, the conversion price of notes:
 
·
issued in the initial closing on November 14, 2007 shall be $3.05; and
 
 
·
issued on August 12, 2008 shall be the lower of $3.05 or the average of the closing bid and asked prices of shares of our common stock quoted in the Over-The-Counter Market Summary (or, if our shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market or another exchange, the closing price of shares of our common stock quoted on such exchange) averaged over five trading days prior to the closing date of the sale of the additional notes.

Payment of the notes will be automatically accelerated if we enter voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.

The notes and the common stock into which they may be converted have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. As a result, offers and sales of the notes were made pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act and only made to accredited investors that were our existing stockholders. The investors in the initial notes include (i) The Blueline Fund, or Blueline, which originally recommended Philippe Pouponnot, one of our former directors, for appointment to the Board of Directors; (ii) Atlas, an affiliate that originally recommended Shlomo Elia, one of our current directors, for appointment to the Board of Directors; (iii) Crystal Management Ltd., which is owned by Doron Roethler, who subsequently became Chairman of our Board of Directors and serves as the noteholders’ bond representative; and (iv) William Furr, who is the father of Thomas Furr, who, at the time, was one of our directors and executive officers. The investors in the additional notes are Atlas and Crystal Management Ltd.

In addition, if we propose to file a registration statement to register any of its common stock under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash, subject to certain limitations, we must give each noteholder who has converted its notes into common stock the opportunity to include such shares of converted common stock in the registration. We have agreed to bear the expenses for any of these registrations, exclusive of any stock transfer taxes, underwriting discounts, and commissions.

On November 6, 2007, Canaccord Adams Inc. agreed to waive any rights it held under its January 2007 engagement letter with us that it may have with respect to the convertible note offering, including the right to receive any fees in connection with the offering.

We have not yet achieved positive cash flows from operations, and our main sources of funds for our operations are the sale of securities in private placements, the sale of additional convertible notes, and bank lines of credit. We must continue to rely on these sources until we are able to generate sufficient revenue to fund our operations. We believe that anticipated cash flows from operations, funds available from our existing line of credit, and additional issuances of notes, together with cash on hand, will provide sufficient funds to finance our operations at least for the next 12 to 18 months, depending on our ability to achieve strategic goals outlined in our annual operating budget approved by our Board of Directors. Changes in our operating plans, lower than anticipated sales, increased expenses, or other events may cause us to seek additional equity or debt financing in future periods. There can be no guarantee that financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Additional equity financing could be dilutive to the holders of our common stock, and additional debt financing, if available, could impose greater cash payment obligations and more covenants and operating restrictions.

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Recent Developments

As more fully described elsewhere in this report, on November 12, 2008 we notified all current noteholders that we have exercised our option to sell $1.5 million aggregate principal of additional secured subordinated notes due November 14, 2010, or the new notes, with substantially the same terms and conditions as the outstanding notes in a closing to occur on or before December 31, 2008 . We will be obligated to pay interest on the new notes at an annualized rate of 8% payable in quarterly installments commencing three months after the closing date, and we will not be permitted to prepay the new notes without approval of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding. We plan to use the proceeds to meet ongoing working capital and capital spending requirements.

Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Not applicable.

Item 4.     Controls and Procedures

Not applicable.

Item 4T.     Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to provide reasonable assurances that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

We have made the following changes to our internal controls over financial reporting during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting :

 
·
hired a new permanent Chief Financial Officer;

 
·
implemented dual-control security on all cash transfers with our bank and established maximums that could be initiated by our Controller, with any transfer in excess of such maximums requiring initiation by one of our officers;

 
·
restricted check signing authority to our officers;

 
·
modified permission rights in our accounting software to ensure transactions could not be modified or deleted after posting;

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·
implemented a structured vendor invoice approval process with multiple levels of approval required before the expense can be entered into our accounting system;

 
·
engaged an outside firm to conduct an ethics training course for all members of management;

 
·
with respect to our previously-identified controls regarding period closing, refined our internal checklist to ensure that all period closing procedures are recorded properly and completely, and that the financial statements are reviewed and approved by our Chief Financial Officer; and

 
·
with respect to our controls regarding stock option and restricted stock expense, implemented a process to track the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees and introduced a policy to allow the netting of shares as payment of the resulting employee tax obligation so that such taxes are paid timely to governmental agencies.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we are developing a new general ledger chart of accounts to more closely align our 2009 budget with actual results and to assign accountability for expenses by department. We are also working on the testing and remediation phases of our compliance initiative with respect to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our internal control over financial reporting, our new Chief Financial Officer is continuing to evaluate certain financial and accounting functions. As we previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, we have identified five critical control areas for improvement in fiscal 2008. As discussed above, we have adopted controls related to period closing and stock option and restricted stock expense. We expect to make several additional changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the remainder of fiscal 2008, including full adoption of the remaining previously-identified controls relating to accrual analysis and journal entries, the adoption of which would be critical and material to our internal control environment.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

Please refer to Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and Part II, Item 1 of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008 for a description of material legal proceedings, including the proceedings discussed below.

On July 14, 2008, we filed a civil action against a former employee in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, Durham County, North Carolina. The complaint alleged that the former employee embezzled funds from us in the amount of $105,600 and asserted claims for conversion and unfair trade practices. The lawsuit sought recovery for the embezzled funds, plus punitive damages or treble damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees. On August 25, 2008, we obtained a judgment against the former employee in the amount of $105,599.94, trebled to $316,799.82 pursuant to the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practice Statute, plus interest at 8% from the date of filing the complaint, and all court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees existing as of the date of the judgment and as may accrue from time to time until the judgment is paid in full. We are in the process of attempting to collect on the judgment.

On October 18, 2007, Robyn L. Gooden filed a purported class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina naming us, certain of our current and former officers and directors, Maxim Group, LLC, and Jesup & Lamont Securities Corp. as defendants. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of all persons other than the defendants who purchased our securities from May 2, 2005 through September 28, 2007 and were damaged. The complaint asserts violations of federal securities laws, including violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5. The complaint asserts that the defendants made material and misleading statements with the intent to mislead the investing public and conspired in a fraudulent scheme to manipulate trading in the our stock, allegedly causing plaintiffs to purchase the stock at an inflated price. The complaint requests certification of the plaintiff as class representative and seeks, among other relief, unspecified compensatory damages including interest, plus reasonable costs and expenses including counsel fees and expert fees. On June 24, 2008, the court entered an order appointing a lead plaintiff for the class action. On September 8, 2008, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint which added additional defendants who had served as our directors or officers during the class period as well as our independent auditor.

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At this time, we are not able to determine the likely outcome of our currently pending legal matters, nor can we estimate our potential financial exposure. Our management has made an initial estimate based upon its knowledge, experience and input from legal counsel, and we have accrued approximately $137,500 of legal reserves. Such reserves will be adjusted in future periods as more information becomes available. If an unfavorable resolution of any of these matters occurs, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Item 1A.     Risk Factors

We operate in a dynamic and rapidly changing business environment that involves substantial risk and uncertainty, and these risks may change over time. The following discussion addresses some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause, or contribute to causing, actual results to differ materially from expectations. In evaluating our business, you should pay particular attention to the descriptions of risks and uncertainties described below and in other sections of this document and our other filings. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, which we currently deem immaterial, or that are similar to those faced by other companies in our industry or business in general may also affect our business. If any of the risks described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Historically, we have operated at a loss, and we continue to do so.  

We have had recurring losses from operations and continue to have negative cash flows. If we do not become cash flow positive through additional financing or growth, we may have to cease operations and liquidate our business. Our working capital, including our line of credit with Paragon, February 2007 equity financing transaction, and convertible note financings, should fund our operations for the next 12 to 18 months. As of November 10, 2008, we have approximately $320,000 available on our revolving line of credit and approximately $10.5 million available through our convertible note financing. On November 12, 2008, we notified our convertible noteholders that we have exercised our option to sell $1.5 million aggregate principal of additional secured subordinated notes in a closing to occur on or before December 31, 2008. Factors such as the commercial success of our existing services and products, the timing and success of any new services and products, the progress of our research and development efforts, our results of operations, the status of competitive services and products, the timing and success of potential strategic alliances or potential opportunities to acquire technologies or assets, the charges filed against a former officer and a former employee filed by the SEC and the United States Attorney General, and the pending shareholder class action lawsuit may require us to seek additional funding sooner than we expect. If we fail to raise sufficient financing, we will not be able to implement our business plan and may not be able to sustain our business.

Current economic uncertainties in the global economy could adversely impact our growth, results of operations, and our ability to forecast future business.  

In 2008, there has been a downturn in the global economy, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions, and liquidity concerns. These conditions make it difficult for our customers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and they could cause our customers to slow or defer spending on our products and services, which would delay and lengthen sales cycles, or change their willingness to enter into longer-term licensing and support arrangements with us. Furthermore, during challenging economic times our customers may face issues gaining timely access to sufficient credit, which could result in an impairment of their ability to make timely payments to us. If that were to occur, we may be required to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts and our results would be negatively impacted.

We cannot predict the timing, strength, or duration of any economic slowdown or subsequent economic recovery. If the downturn in the general economy or markets in which we operate persists or worsens from present levels, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Our business is dependent upon the development and market acceptance of our applications.
 
Our future financial performance and revenue growth will depend, in part, upon the successful development, integration, introduction, and customer acceptance of our software applications. Thereafter, other new products, either developed or acquired, and enhanced versions of our existing applications will be critically important to our business. Our business could be harmed if we fail to deliver timely enhancements to our current and future solutions that our customers desire. We also must continually modify and enhance our services and products to keep pace with market demands regarding hardware and software platforms, database technology, information security, and electronic commerce technical standards. Our business could be harmed if we fail to achieve the improved performance that customers want with respect to our current and future product offerings. There can be no assurance that our products will achieve widespread market penetration or that we will derive significant revenues from the sale or licensing of our platforms or applications.

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We have not yet demonstrated that we have a successful business model.

We have invested significantly in infrastructure, operations, and strategic relationships to support our SaaS delivery model, which represents a significant departure from the delivery strategies that other software vendors and we have traditionally employed. To maintain positive margins for our small business services, our revenues will need to continue to grow more rapidly than the cost of such revenues. We anticipate that our future financial performance and revenue growth will depend, in large part, upon our Internet-based SaaS business model and the results of our sales efforts to reach agreements with syndication partners with small business customer bases, but this business model may become ineffective due to forces beyond our control that we do not currently anticipate. Although we currently have various agreements and continue to enter into new agreements, our success depends in part on the ultimate success of our syndication   partners and referral partners and their ability to market our products and services successfully. Our partners are not obligated to provide potential customers to us and may have difficulty retaining customers within certain markets that we serve. In addition, some of these third parties have entered, and may continue to enter, into strategic relationships with our competitors. Further, many of our strategic partners have multiple strategic relationships, and they may not regard us as significant for their businesses. Our strategic partners may terminate their respective relationships with us, pursue other partnerships or relationships, or attempt to develop or acquire products or services that compete with our products or services. Our strategic partners also may interfere with our ability to enter into other desirable strategic relationships. If we are unable to maintain our existing strategic relationships or enter into additional strategic relationships, we will have to devote substantially more resources to the distribution, sales, and marketing of our products and services.

In addition, our end users currently do not sign long-term contracts. They have no obligation to renew their subscriptions for our services after the expiration of their initial subscription period and, in fact, they have often elected not to do so. Our end users also may renew for a lower-priced edition of our services or for fewer users. These factors make it difficult to accurately predict customer renewal rates. Our customers’ renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including when we begin charging for our services, their dissatisfaction with our services, and their capability to continue their operations and spending levels. If our customers do not renew their subscriptions for our services or we are not able to increase the number of subscribers, our revenue may decline and our business will suffer.

The SEC action against us, the SEC and criminal actions brought against certain former employees, and related stockholder and other lawsuits have damaged our business, and they could damage our business in the future.

The lawsuit filed against us by the SEC, the SEC and criminal actions filed against a former officer and a former employee, the class action lawsuit filed against us and certain current and former officers, directors, and employees, and the lawsuit filed by a former executive officer against us, all as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, have harmed our business in many ways, and may cause further harm in the future. Since the initiation of these actions, our ability to raise financing from new investors on favorable terms has suffered due to the lack of liquidity of our stock, the questions raised by these actions, and the resulting drop in the price of our common stock. As a result, we may not raise sufficient financing, if necessary, in the future.

Legal and other fees related to these actions have also reduced our available cash. We make no assurance that we will not continue to experience additional harm as a result of these matters. The time spent by our management team and directors dealing with issues related to these actions detracts from the time they spend on our operations, including strategy development and implementation. These actions also have harmed our reputation in the business community, jeopardized our relationships with vendors and customers, and decreased our ability to attract qualified personnel, especially given the media coverage of these events.

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In addition, we face uncertainty regarding amounts that we may have to pay as indemnification to certain current and former officers, directors, and employees under our Bylaws and Delaware law with respect to these actions, and we may not recover all of these amounts from our directors and officers liability insurance policy carrier. Our Bylaws and Delaware law generally require us to indemnify, and in certain circumstances advance legal expenses to, current and former officers and directors against claims arising out of such person’s status or activities as our officer or director, unless such person (i) did not act in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests or (ii) had reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. As of November 10, 2008, there are SEC and criminal actions pending against a former executive officer and a former employee who have requested that we indemnify them and advance expenses incurred by them in the defense of those actions. Also, a stockholder class action lawsuit has been filed against us and certain of our current   and former officers, directors, and employees. The SEC, criminal, and stockholder actions are more fully described in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” in this report and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008.

Generally, we are required to advance defense expenses prior to any final adjudication of an individual’s culpability. The expense of indemnifying our current and former directors, officers, and employees for their defense or related expenses in connection with the current actions may be significant. Our Bylaws require that any director, officer, employee, or agent requesting advancement of expenses enter into an undertaking with us to repay any amounts advanced unless it is ultimately determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified for the expenses incurred. This provides us with an opportunity, depending upon the final outcome of the matters and the Board’s subsequent determination of such person’s right to indemnity, to seek to recover amounts advanced by us. However, we may not be able to recover any amounts advanced if the person to whom the advancement was made lacks the financial resources to repay the amounts that have been advanced. If we are unable to recover the amounts advanced, or can do so only at great expense, our operations may be substantially harmed as a result of loss of capital.

Although we have purchased insurance that may cover these obligations, we can offer no assurances that all of the amounts that may be expended by us will be recovered under our insurance policy. It is possible that we may have an obligation to indemnify our current and former officers and directors under the terms of our Bylaws and Delaware law, but that there may be insufficient coverage for these payments under the terms of our insurance policy. Therefore, we face the risk of making substantial payments related to the defense of these actions, which could significantly reduce amounts available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate objectives.

In addition, our insurance policy provides that, under certain conditions, our insurer may have the right to seek recovery of any amounts it paid to the individual insureds or us. As of November 10, 2008, we do not know and can offer no assurances about whether these conditions will apply or whether the insurance carrier will change its position regarding coverage related to the current actions. Therefore, we can offer no assurances that our insurer will not seek to recover any amounts paid under its policy from the individual insureds or us. If such recovery is sought, then we may have to expend considerable financial resources in defending and potentially settling or otherwise resolving such a claim, which could substantially reduce the amount of capital available to fund our operations.

Our executive management team is critical to the execution of our business plan and the loss of their services could severely impact negatively on our business.

Our executive management team has undergone significant changes during late 2007 and the first nine months of 2008. Our success depends significantly on the continued services of our executive management personnel and attracting additional qualified personnel. Losing any of our officers could seriously harm our business. Competition for executives is intense. Although we have resolved the SEC charges filed against us, we may not be able to attract highly qualified candidates to serve on our executive management team. If we had to replace any of our officers, we would not be able to replace the significant amount of knowledge that they may have about our operations. If we cannot attract and retain qualified personnel and integrate new members of our executive management team effectively into our business, then our business and financial results may suffer. In addition, all of our executive team work at the same location, which could make us vulnerable to loss of our entire management team in the event of a natural or other disaster. We do not maintain key man insurance policies on any of our employees.

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Failure to comply with the provisions of our debt financing arrangements could have a material adverse effect on us.

Our revolving line of credit from Paragon is secured by an irrevocable standby letter of credit issued by HSBC, with Atlas as account party. Our secured subordinated convertible notes are secured by a first-priority lien on all of our unencumbered assets.

If an event of default occurs under our debt financing arrangements and remains uncured, then the lender could foreclose on the assets securing the debt. If that were to occur, it would have a substantial adverse effect on our business. In addition, making the principal and interest payments on these debt arrangements may drain our financial resources or cause other material harm to our business.

Compliance with regulations governing public company corporate governance and reporting is uncertain and expensive.

As a public company, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. We incur costs associated with our public company reporting requirements and with corporate governance and disclosure requirements, including requirements under Sarbanes-Oxley and new rules implemented by the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly.

For fiscal 2009, we will be required to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley involving our independent accountant’s audit of our internal control over financial reporting. To comply with these requirements, we are evaluating and testing our internal controls, and where necessary, taking remedial actions, to allow our independent auditors to attest to our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, we have incurred and will continue to incur expenses and diversion of management’s time and attention from the daily operations of the business, which may increase our operating expenses and impair our ability to achieve profitability.

We have identified several significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. We are working to remediate these identified significant deficiencies, and we cannot give any assurances that all significant deficiencies or material weaknesses have been identified or that additional significant deficiencies or material weaknesses will not be identified in the future in connection with our compliance with the provisions of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. The existence of one or more material weaknesses would preclude a conclusion by management that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.

Our former Chief Financial Officer resigned at the end of the first quarter of 2008, resulting in our loss of his financial expertise and knowledge of our history and past transactions. We engaged an outside accounting consultant and an Interim Chief Financial Officer, each with a level of accounting knowledge, experience, and training in the application of generally accepted accounting principles commensurate with our financial reporting requirements to assist us during the transition period between permanent Chief Financial Officers. We appointed a new Chief Financial Officer on July 15, 2008 who has restructured our financial and accounting functions to address concerns regarding segregation of duties and expense approval processes.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our schedule to complete all assessment and testing of our internal controls in a timely manner. Further, we cannot be certain that our testing of internal controls and resulting remediation actions will yield adequate internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. If we are not able to implement the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, there could be an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Officers, directors, and principal stockholders control us. This might lead them to make decisions that do not align with the interests of minority stockholders.

Our officers, directors, and principal stockholders beneficially own or control a large percentage of our outstanding common stock. Certain of these principal stockholders hold warrants and convertible notes, which may be exercised or converted into additional shares of our common stock under certain conditions. The convertible noteholders have designated a bond representative to act as their agent. We have agreed that the bond representative shall be granted access to our facilities and personnel during normal business hours, shall have the right to attend all meetings of our Board of Directors and its committees, and to receive all materials provided to our Board of Directors or any committee of our Board. In addition, so long as the notes are outstanding, we have agreed that we will not take certain material corporate actions without approval of the bond representative. The Chairman of our Board of Directors currently is serving as the bond representative.

35


Our officers, directors, and principal stockholders, acting together, would have the ability to control substantially all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval (including the election and removal of directors and any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) and to control our management and affairs. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of us, impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination involving us, or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Our failure to properly report certain taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock could result in tax penalties and interest from the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities.

During 2007, we began granting restricted stock, but failed to properly report certain taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock. We accrued $55,000 during the second quarter of 2008 to cover the estimated tax obligations and fees. We self-reported to the Internal Revenue Service regarding this matter   and paid estimated taxes and penalties of $28,655 in the third quarter of 2008, with additional costs associated with this event expected in the fourth quarter of 2008. In addition, we are subject to a settlement offer in compromise order with the Internal Revenue Service regarding past tax obligations and could be subject to significant past penalties related to this order depending upon the Internal Revenue Service’s view of our approach to handling the current matter. Any such additional tax penalties could materially and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Any issuance of shares of our common stock in the future could have a dilutive effect on the value of our existing stockholders’ shares.

We may issue shares of our common stock in the future for a variety of reasons. For example, under the terms of our stock purchase warrant and agreement with Atlas, it may elect to purchase up to 444,444 shares of our common stock at $2.70 per share upon termination of, or if we are in breach under the terms of, our line of credit with Paragon. In connection with our private financing in February 2007, we issued warrants to the investors to purchase an additional 1,176,471 shares of our common stock at $3.00 per share and a warrant to our placement agent in that transaction to purchase 35,000 shares of our common stock at $2.55 per share. Upon maturity of their convertible notes, our noteholders may elect to convert all, a part of, or none of their notes into shares of our common stock at variable conversion prices. In addition, we may raise funds in the future by issuing additional shares of common stock or other securities.
 
If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities or debt convertible into equity securities, the percentage of stock ownership by our existing stockholders would be reduced. In addition, such securities could have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our current stockholders, which could substantially decrease the value of our securities owned by them. Depending on the share price we are able to obtain, we may have to sell a significant number of shares in order to raise the necessary amount of capital. Our stockholders may experience dilution in the value of their shares as a result.

Shares eligible for public sale could adversely affect our stock price.

Future sales of substantial amounts of our shares in the public market, or the appearance that a large number of our shares are available for sale, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our securities. At August 8, 2008, 18,325,606 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and a significant number of shares may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and convertible notes.

Our stock historically has been very thinly traded. The average daily trading volume for our common stock between January 2008 and September 2008 was approximately 34,852 shares per day. The number of shares that could be sold during this period was restrained by previous contractual and other legal limitations imposed on some of our shares that are no longer applicable. This means that market supply may increase more than market demand for our shares. Many companies experience a decrease in the market price of their shares when such events occur.

We cannot predict if future sales of our common stock, or the availability of our common stock held for sale, will materially and adversely affect the market price for our common stock or our ability to raise capital by offering equity or other securities. Our stock price may decline if the resale of shares under Rule 144, in addition to the resale of registered shares, at any time in the future exceeds the market demand for our stock.

36


Our stock price is likely to be highly volatile and may decline.

The trading prices of the securities of technology companies have been highly volatile. Accordingly, the trading price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. Further, our common stock has a limited trading history. Factors affecting the trading price of our common stock generally include the risk factors described in this report.

In addition, the stock market from time to time has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the trading prices of many emerging growth companies. Such fluctuations have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. These broad trading fluctuations could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

Further, securities class action litigation has often been brought against companies that experience periods of volatility in the market prices of their securities. A securities class action was filed against us in October 2007 as more fully described in Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” in this report. This securities class action litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources. We may determine, like many defendants in such lawsuits, that it is in our best interest to settle the lawsuit, even if we believe that the plaintiffs’ claims have no merit, to avoid the cost and distraction of continued litigation. Any liability we incur in connection with this or any other potential lawsuit could materially harm our business and financial position and, even if we defend ourselves successfully, there is a risk that management’s distraction in dealing with this type of lawsuit could harm our results.

Our securities may be subject to “penny stock” rules, which could adversely affect our stock price and make it more difficult for our stockholders to resell their stock.

The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 per share (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quotation systems, provided that reports with respect to transactions in such securities are provided by the exchange or quotation system pursuant to an effective transaction reporting plan approved by the SEC).

The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prescribed by the SEC and certain other information related to the penny stock, the broker-dealer’s compensation in the transaction, and the other penny stocks in the customer’s account.

In addition, the penny stock rules require that, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement, a written agreement related to transactions involving penny stocks, and a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements could have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our stock because it will be subject to these penny stock rules. Therefore, stockholders may have difficulty selling those securities.

If we fail to evaluate, implement, and integrate strategic opportunities successfully, our business may suffer.

From time to time we evaluate strategic opportunities available to us for product, technology, or business acquisitions or dispositions. If we choose to make acquisitions or dispositions, we face certain risks, such as failure of an acquired business to meet our performance expectations, diversion of management attention, retention of existing customers of our current and acquired business, and difficulty in integrating or separating a business’s operations, personnel, and financial and operating systems. We may not be able to successfully address these risks or any other problems that arise from our previous or future acquisitions or dispositions. Any failure to successfully evaluate strategic opportunities and address risks or other problems that arise related to any acquisition or disposition could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

37


Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Except as previously disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008, there were no sales of unregistered securities during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

The following table lists all repurchases during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 of any of our securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act by or on behalf of us or any affiliated purchaser.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Period
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price
Paid Per
Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs 
 
   Maximum 
Number of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs 
 
July 1 – July 31, 2008
   
-
 
$
-
   
-
   
-
 
August 1 – August 31, 2008
   
-
 
$
-
   
-
   
-
 
September 1 – September 30, 2008
   
9,551
(1) 
$
3.25
(2) 
 
-
    
-
 
Total
   
9,551
 
$
3.25
   
-
   
-
 

(1)
Includes 2,051 shares repurchased in connection with tax withholding obligations under the 2004 Plan and 7,500 shares of restricted stock forfeited by one of our directors in exchange for the grant of a stock option to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share.
   
(2)
Represents the average price paid per share for the 2,051 shares repurchased in connection with tax withholding obligations under the 2004 Plan and does not reflect the grant of a stock option to purchase 15,000 shares at an exercise price of $3.25 per share in exchange for the forfeiture of 7,500 shares of restricted stock by one of our directors.

Item 5.   Other Information

In connection with our increased focus on sales and marketing, on November 10, 2008, Neile King’s position was changed from Chief Operating Officer to Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr. King will oversee our sales and marketing function, and the operational functions will report directly to David Colburn, our President and Chief Executive Officer.

On November 12, 2008, we notified all of our current convertible noteholders that we have exercised our option to sell $1.5 million aggregate principal of additional secured subordinated notes due November 14, 2010, or the new notes, with substantially the same terms and conditions as the initial notes sold on November 14, 2007 and the additional notes sold on August 12, 2008, in a closing to occur on or before December 31, 2008. We will be obligated to pay interest on the new notes at an annualized rate of 8% payable in quarterly installments commencing three months after the closing date. All other terms and conditions of the new notes will be the same as the terms and conditions of the additional notes sold on August 12, 2008, described below.

We are not permitted to prepay the additional notes without approval of the holders of at least a majority of the principal amount of the notes then outstanding.

On the earlier of the maturity date of November 14, 2010 or a merger or acquisition or other transaction pursuant to which our existing stockholders hold less than 50% of the surviving entity, or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or similar transaction, or event of default, each noteholder in its sole discretion shall have the option to:

 
·
convert the principal then outstanding on its notes into shares of our common stock, or
 
·
receive immediate repayment in cash of the notes, including any accrued and unpaid interest.

38


If a noteholder elects to convert its notes under these circumstances, the conversion price of additional notes will be the lower of:
 
 
·
$3.05; and
 
·
the average of the closing bid and asked prices of shares of our common stock quoted in the Over-The-Counter Market Summary (or, if ours shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market or another exchange, the closing price of shares of our common stock quoted on such exchange) averaged over five trading days prior to the closing date of the sale of the additional notes.

Upon the following events of default and at any time during the continuance of such an event of default, the noteholders have the right, with the consent of the agent appointed for such noteholders, to accelerate payment on their notes:

 
·
failure to pay any amounts when due;
 
·
non-performance of any material covenant that remains uncured for 15 days;
 
·
any of our representations and warranties prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect when made;
 
·
one or more judgments, decrees, or orders (excluding settlement orders) for the payment of money in the aggregate of $1,000,000 or more is entered against us or a subsidiary and is not discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; or
 
·
default by us or a subsidiary under any agreement related to indebtedness resulting in the acceleration of more than $500,000 of indebtedness.

In addition, payment of the notes will be automatically accelerated if we enter voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.

The notes are secured by a first-priority lien on all of our unencumbered assets.

The additional notes and the common stock into which they may be converted have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. As a result, offers and sales of the additional notes were made pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act and only made to accredited investors that were our existing stockholders. Unless and until they are registered, the additional notes and the common stock into which they may be converted may not be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or applicable securities laws of other jurisdictions.

If notes are converted into our common stock and a demand for registration of the shares of common stock is made by a holder of a majority of the converted common stock, we have agreed, subject to certain limitations, to use our best efforts to file a registration statement with the SEC:

 
·
within 180 days of such demand if:
 
o
we are eligible to use Form S-1, and
 
o
the demand is made with respect to at least 40% of the converted common stock then outstanding (or a lesser percentage if the anticipated aggregate offering price, net of selling expenses, would exceed $5 million) ; and
 
·
within 90 days of such demand if:
 
o
we are eligible to use Form S-3, and
 
o
the demand is made with respect to at least 30% of the converted common stock then outstanding and the anticipated aggregate offering price, net of selling expenses, would exceed $2 million.

In addition, if we propose to file a registration statement to register any of our common stock under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash, subject to certain limitations, we shall give each noteholder who has converted its notes into common stock the opportunity to include such shares of converted common stock in the registration. We have agreed to bear the expenses for any of these registrations, exclusive of any stock transfer taxes, underwriting discounts, and commissions.

The noteholders have designated Doron Roethler, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, as bond representative to act as their agent. We have agreed that the bond representative and his representatives shall be granted access to our facilities and personnel during normal business hours, shall have the right to have his representative attend all meetings of our Board of Directors and its committees, and to receive all materials provided to the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors. We have agreed to pay all reasonable travel and lodging expenses of the bond representative related to his access to our facilities and attendance at Board of Directors meetings. In addition, so long as the notes are outstanding, we have agreed that we will not take any of the following actions without approval of the bond representative:

39


 
·
make any loan or advance to, or own any stock or other securities of, any subsidiary or other corporation, partnership, or other entity unless it is wholly owned by us, except that we may own securities of 1-800-Pharmacy, Inc. pursuant to an agreement we have with it without obtaining the bond representative’s consent;

 
·
make any loan or advance to any person, except advances and similar expenditures in the ordinary course of business or under the terms of an employee stock or option plan approved by our Board of Directors;

 
·
guarantee any indebtedness except for our trade accounts or those of a subsidiary arising in the ordinary course of business;

 
·
make any investment other than investments in prime commercial paper, money market funds, certificates of deposit in any United States bank having a net worth in excess of $100,000,000 or obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States of America, in each case having a maturity not in excess of two years;

 
·
incur any aggregate indebtedness in excess of $25,000, other than trade credit incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 
·
increase or approve the compensation of our named executive officers, including benefits, bonuses, and issuances of equity compensation;

 
·
change our principal business, enter new lines of business, or exit the current line of business;

 
·
sell, transfer, exclusively license, pledge, or encumber technology or intellectual property;

 
·
create or authorize the creation of or issue any other security convertible into or exercisable for any equity security, other than issuances to employees pursuant to equity compensation plans approved by our Board of Directors;

 
·
purchase or redeem or pay any dividend on any capital stock, other than stock repurchased from former employees or consultants in connection with the cessation of their employment/services, at the lower of fair market value or cost; or

 
·
increase the number of shares authorized for issuance to officers, directors, employees, consultants, and advisors pursuant to equity incentive plans or arrangements.
 
We plan to use the proceeds to meet ongoing working capital and capital spending requirements.

Item 6.     Exhibits

The following exhibits are being filed herewith and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
4.1
 
First Amendment to Convertible Secured Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated August 12, 2008, by and among Smart Online, Inc. and certain investors
10.1
 
Sublease Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between Advantis Real Estate Services Company and Smart Online, Inc. (asterisks located within the exhibit denote information which has been deleted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission)
31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
40

 
32.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by that Act, be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any document or filed herewith for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the case may be.
32.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by that Act, be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any document or filed herewith for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the case may be.

41


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
Smart Online, Inc.
 
 
 
/s/ David E. Colburn
 
David E. Colburn
 Date: November 12, 2008
Principal Executive Officer
 
 
 
/s/ Timothy L. Krist
 
Timothy L. Krist
 
Principal Financial Officer and
 Date: November 12, 2008
Principal Accounting Officer
 
42


EXHIBIT INDEX
   
Exhibit No.
 
Description
4.1
 
First Amendment to Convertible Secured Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated August 12, 2008, by and among Smart Online, Inc. and certain investors
10.1
 
Sublease Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between Advantis Real Estate Services Company and Smart Online, Inc. (asterisks located within the exhibit denote information which has been deleted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission)
31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by that Act, be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any document or filed herewith for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the case may be.
32.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by that Act, be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any document or filed herewith for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the case may be.
 
43

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

                               SMART ONLINE, INC.

                               FIRST AMENDMENT TO
            CONVERTIBLE SECURED SUBORDINATED NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     THIS FIRST  AMENDMENT TO  CONVERTIBLE  SECURED  SUBORDINATED  NOTE PURCHASE
AGREEMENT  (this  "Agreement")  is entered into this 12th day of August 2008, by
and among Smart Online, Inc., a Delaware  corporation (the "Company"),  and each
of the  undersigned  holders (the  "Holders," and  individually,  a "Holder") of
Secured Subordinated  Convertible Promissory Notes (the "Notes") issued pursuant
to that certain Convertible  Secured  Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement dated
as of November 14, 2007, by and among the Company and the  Investors  referenced
on Schedule A attached thereto (the "Original Purchase Agreement").  Capitalized
terms used but not defined  herein shall have the  meanings  assigned to them in
the Original Purchase Agreement.

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS,  the  Original  Purchase  Agreement  provides  that the  aggregate
principal amount of the Notes which may be issued in Subsequent  Closings of the
sale of Notes  under  the  Original  Purchase  Agreement  shall be no more  than
$5,200,000,  and the  Company  and the  Holders  desire  to amend  the  Original
Purchase Agreement to increase this amount by $6,800,000 to $12,000,000;

     WHEREAS,  the  Original  Purchase  Agreement  requires  that each  Investor
participate in Subsequent  Closings  equal to such  Investor's pro rata share of
the Subsequent  Closing Amount,  and the Company and the Holders desire to amend
the Original  Purchase  Agreement to permit  participation by some or all of the
Investors  in an  amount  to be  determined  by the  Company  and the  Investors
participating in such Subsequent Closing;

     WHEREAS,  the Company and the Holders desire to make certain  amendments to
the  representations and warranties of the Company made in the Original Purchase
Agreement; and

     WHEREAS,  Section 9(a) of each of the Original Purchase  Agreement provides
that any provision of the  Agreement may be amended with the written  consent of
the  Company  and the  Investors  holding at least a majority  of the  aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the Notes (the "Requisite Percentage").

     WHEREAS, the Holders constitute the Requisite Percentage necessary to amend
the provisions of the Original Purchase Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the promises and agreements  contained
herein, and other good and valuable  consideration,  the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:





                                   AGREEMENT

     1.   Amendments to Original Purchase Agreement.

     (a)  Section 1(c) of the Original Purchase  Agreement is hereby deleted and
amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

     "(c) Subsequent Closing;  Delivery. Subject to compliance with federal
     and applicable  state  securities  laws, at any time after the date of
     this Agreement but on or prior to the third  anniversary  hereof,  the
     Company may elect to sell and issue to the  Investors,  and, upon such
     election, the Investors shall purchase from the Company in one or more
     subsequent closings (each, a "Subsequent  Closing"),  additional Notes
     (the "Additional Notes"); provided that the aggregate principal amount
     of all Additional Notes issued in all Subsequent  Closings pursuant to
     this  Agreement  does not exceed  $12,000,000.  Each time the  Company
     elects to sell Additional Notes in a Subsequent  Closing,  the Company
     shall  provide to each Investor  written  notice of such election (the
     "Subsequent Closing Notice"), which notice shall include the aggregate
     principal  amount of the Additional Notes the Company proposes to sell
     in such  Subsequent  Closing  (which  amount  shall  not be less  than
     $500,000) (the "Subsequent Closing Amount"), the anticipated date upon
     which such Subsequent Closing will occur (which date shall not be more
     than fifteen (15) days after the Company  provides  such notice to the
     Investors) and the Investor's pro rata share of the Subsequent Closing
     Amount (which shall be calculated by dividing the principal  amount of
     the  Note  purchased  by  such  Investor  in all  prior  Closings  (as
     hereinafter  defined) by the aggregate  principal  amount of all Notes
     purchased in all prior  Closings).  At each Subsequent  Closing,  each
     Investor  shall purchase an Additional  Note equal to such  Investor's
     pro rata share of the Subsequent  Closing Amount, or such other amount
     as the  Investors  participating  in such  Subsequent  Closing and the
     Company shall agree.  If an Investor does not desire to participate in
     a Subsequent Closing (a "Nonparticipating  Investor"), it shall notify
     the other  Investors in writing and the other Investors may (but shall
     not  be  required   to)   purchase   the  amount   allocated   to  the
     Nonparticipating  Investor based on such  Investor's pro rata share of
     the Notes  issued in prior  Closings  or in such  amounts  as shall be
     agreed  by  the  Company  and  the  Investors  participating  in  such
     Subsequent    Closing    (the    "Participating    Investors").    The
     Nonparticipating  Investor  shall be  relieved  of its  obligation  to
     participate   in  a  Subsequent   Closing  only  to  the  extent  that
     Participating  Investors  have  elected  to  purchase  the  Subsequent
     Closing Amount allocated to such Nonparticipating  Investor.  All such
     sales of  Additional  Notes shall be made on the terms and  conditions
     set forth in this  Agreement  and the exhibits  attached  hereto.  Any
     Additional  Notes sold and issued  pursuant to this Section 1(d) shall
     be deemed to be "Notes" for all purposes under this Agreement.  Should
     any such sales be made, the Company shall prepare a revised Schedule I
     to this Agreement  reflecting such sales. At each Subsequent  Closing,
     the Company will  deliver to each of the  Investors  participating  in
     such  Subsequent  Closing the respective  Note to be purchased by such
     Investor, against


                                       2



     receipt by the  Company of the  corresponding  Purchase  Price set forth on
     Schedule I hereto.  Each of the Notes will be registered in such Investor's
     name in the  Company's  records.  The Initial  Closing and each  Subsequent
     Closing,  if any,  shall each be considered a "Closing" for the purposes of
     this  Agreement  and the date of each  such  Closing  shall  be a  "Closing
     Date.""

     (b)  The initial  paragraph of Section 2 is hereby  deleted and amended and
restated in its entirety to read as follows:

     "Except as otherwise  described in the  Company's  most recent  Annual
     Report on Form 10-K (and any amendments thereto filed at least two (2)
     Business  Days prior to the Closing  Date),  the  Company's  Quarterly
     Reports on Form 10-Q filed  after the  Company's  most  recent  Annual
     Report  on Form  10-K (if any) (and any  amendments  thereto  filed at
     least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date),  the Company's
     Proxy  Statement for its most recent Annual  Meeting of  Shareholders,
     and any of the Company's  Current  Reports on Form 8-K filed after the
     filing of the  Company's  most  recent Form 10-Q or Form 10-K (and any
     amendments  thereto  filed at least two (2) Business Days prior to the
     Closing  Date) (all  collectively,  the "SEC  Reports"),  the  Company
     hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants with, the Investor as
     of the date hereof and the applicable Closing Date, as follows:"

     (c)  The first two sentences of Section 2(d) are hereby deleted and amended
and restated in their entirety to read as follows:

     "The  outstanding  capital stock of the Company is as described in the
     Company's most recently filed Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q or Annual
     Report on Form 10-K.  The Company has not made any material  issuances
     of capital stock since the last day of the quarterly or annual period,
     as applicable,  of the Company's most recently filed Quarterly  Report
     on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than pursuant to the
     purchase of shares under the Company's employee stock equity plans and
     the exercise of outstanding warrants or stock options, in each case as
     disclosed  in the SEC Reports,  as well as the issuance of  restricted
     shares  to  certain  of  its   directors   as  part  of  its  director
     compensation  program and the issuance of restricted shares to certain
     of its employees under our 2004 Equity Compensation Plan."

     (d)  Schedule  1 to the  Original  Purchase  Agreement  shall be amended to
include the schedule set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

     2.   Ratification.   Except  as  specifically   amended  pursuant  to  this
Agreement,  the Original Purchase  Agreement remains in full force and effect in
accordance with its terms.

     3.   Validity.  The parties  agree that this  Agreement  is entered into in
accordance with Section 9(a) of the Original Purchase Agreement.


                                       3




     4.   Governing  Law. This  Agreement  and all actions  arising out of or in
connection  with this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Delaware,  without regard to the conflicts of laws
or choice of law provisions thereof.

     5.   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts,
each of which  shall be  deemed an  original,  but all of which  together  shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

     6.   Binding  Effect.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure
to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, successors and assigns.


                           [Signature page to follow]


                                       4



                      [Signature page to First Amendment to
            Convertible Secured Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement]

     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  have  executed  this First  Amendment to
Convertible  Secured  Subordinated Note Purchase  Agreement as of the date first
above written.

COMPANY:                            SMART ONLINE, INC.


                                    By: /s/ David E. Colburn
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:  David E. Colburn
                                        Title: President/CEO


HOLDERS:                            CRYSTAL MANAGEMENT LTD.


                                    By: /s/ Doron Roethler
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:  Doron Roethler
                                        Title: Beneficial Owner


                                    ATLAS CAPITAL S.A.


                                    By: /s/ Avy Lugassy
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:  Avy Lugassy
                                        Title: Member of the Management


                                    WILLIAM FURR

                                    --------------------------------------------


                                    THE BLUELINE FUND


                                    By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                               ---------------------------------
                                        Title:
                                               ---------------------------------


                                       5






                                    EXHIBIT A

                                   SCHEDULE I

                              Schedule of Investors
                   Subsequent Closing Held on August 12, 2008

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTOR'S NAME AND ADDRESS                               Initial Closing
                                                          ---------------
                                                          Note Principal Amount

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crystal Management Ltd.                                   US$250,000
Michal Raviv, Adv.
Gibor Sport House (28th floor)
7, Menahem Begin (Betzalel) St.
Ramat Gan 52521
Israel
Fax.: +972 (3) 575-5526

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlas Capital, S.A.                                       US$1,250,000
Rue du Rhone 118, CH - 1204
Geneve
Switzerland
Fax:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total:                                                    US$1,500,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                       6


Exhibit 10.1
 
SUBLEASE AGREEMENT
 
This Sublease dated as of July 30, 2008 is made between the Sublandlord and Subtenant listed in Article I below.
 
ARTICLE I:   Defined Terms; Background
 
1.
Each reference in this Sublease to the capitalized terms set forth below shall have the meanings given to them in this Article I.
 
Sublandlord:
 
Advantis Real Estate Services Company
     
Sublandlord’s Notice
Address:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4505 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 320
Durham, NC 27703
 
With a copy to:
 
Wyrick Robbins Yates Ponton LLP
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27607-7506
ATTN: Eric A. Vernon
Subtenant:
 
Smart Online, Inc.
     
Subtenant’s Notice
Address:
 
P.O. Box 12794
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
 
With a copy to:
 
Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett,
Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P.
2500 Wachovia Capitol Center
Raleigh, North Carolina
ATTN: Margaret N. Rosenfeld
     
Master Lease:
 
Lease dated September 19, 2005 between Nottingham Hall, LLC and Sublandlord, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A .
     
Master Landlord:
 
Nottingham Hall, LLC



Master Leased Premises:
 
Approximately 9,837 square feet on the 3rd floor of Nottingham Hall (the “Building”), shown on the plan attached hereto as Exhibit B .
     
Subleased Premises:
 
The entire Master Leased Premises.
     
Sublease Commencement Date:
 
September 13, 2008.
     
Sublease Term:
 
 
Sublease Commencement Date through the end of the original Master Lease term, September 30, 2011.
     
Sublease Rent:
 
 
$500,000 payable on the later of: (i) the Sublease Commencement Date, or (ii) the first business day after Sublandlord’s completion of the Initial Improvements (as hereinafter defined).
     
Operating Expense Pass Through:
 
None.
     
Security Deposit Amount:
 
NA
     
Permitted Uses:
 
Office Use
     
Broker(s):
 
Advantis Real Estate Services Company:
Scott Stankavage
     
Other Terms:
 
Sublandlord agrees, at no separate charge, to transfer all furniture, equipment and other assets identified on Exhibit C hereto (collectively, the “FF”) to Subtenant as additional consideration for Subtenant’s agreement to enter into this Sublease Agreement. Sublandlord shall deliver Subtenant a FF Conveyance Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D coincidentally with receipt of the Sublease Rent.

2.
Sublandlord is the tenant under the Master Lease. Sublandlord and Subtenant wish to enter into a sublease of the Subleased Premises on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
 
2


ARTICLE II: Agreements
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1.
SUBLEASED PREMISES
 
Sublandlord hereby subleases to Subtenant, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Sublease, the Subleased Premises. Subject to Sublandlord’s obligations pursuant to Section 10 hereof, Sublandlord shall deliver the Subleased Premises to Subtenant on the Sublease Commencement Date in broom clean condition but otherwise in such “AS IS, WHERE IS” condition as exists as of the date of this Sublease (subject to latent defects not readily apparent through visual inspection and the repair/maintenance obligations of Master Landlord under the Master Lease), free of all occupants other than Subtenant. Subtenant acknowledges that Sublandlord has made no representations or warranties concerning the Subleased Premises or the Building or their fitness for Subtenant’s purposes, except as expressly set forth in this Sublease. Sublandlord covenants and agrees that it will perform all of its obligations under the Master Lease, except to the extent Sublandlord’s compliance is inhibited by Subtenant’s exclusive occupancy of the Subleased Premises. If Subtenant’s occupancy is disturbed as a result of Sublandlord’s default under the Master Lease, Tenant shall refund a prorated portion of the Sublease Rent.
 
2.
SUBLEASE TERM
 
The term of this Sublease shall commence on the Sublease Commencement Date and continue for the Sublease Term unless terminated prior to such date pursuant to the terms hereof or pursuant to law.
 
3.
RENT
 
Subtenant shall pay to Sublandlord the Sublease Rent on the Sublease Commencement Date. All charges, costs, expenses and sums required to be paid or borne by Subtenant under this Sublease in addition to Sublease Rent (for example, any amount paid on Subtenant’s behalf to cure a default, as contemplated by Section 14) shall be deemed “Additional Rent”, and Sublease Rent and Additional Rent shall hereinafter collectively be referred to as “Rent”. Subtenant’s covenant to pay Rent shall be independent of every other covenant in this Sublease.
 
4.
OPERATING EXPENSES
 
Sublandlord shall be solely responsible for all operating expense pass-throughs for the Subleased Premises and this Sublease incorporates the other provisions of Section 4(b) and (c) of the Master Lease.
 
3

 
5.
INSURANCE/WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND SUBROGATION
 
 
(a)
During the Sublease Term, Subtenant shall maintain insurance of such types, in such policies, with such endorsements and coverages, in such amounts as are set forth in the Master Lease. All insurance policies shall name the following parties as additional insured and loss payees and shall contain an endorsement that such policies may not be modified or cancelled without 30 days’ prior written notice to Master Landlord and Sublandlord. Subtenant shall promptly pay all insurance premiums and shall provide Sublandlord (upon request) with policies or certificates which are reasonably acceptable to Sublandlord and Master Landlord evidencing such insurance upon Subtenant’s execution of this Sublease.
 
Additional Insureds

1.    ACP Mid – Atlantic, LLC
2.    Nottingham Hall, LLC
3.    Imperial I Associates, LLC
4.    ACP/Imperial I Manager, LLC
5.    Tri Properties, Inc.
6.    Advantis Real Estate Services Company
 
 
(b)
In the event Subtenant sustains a loss by reason of fire or other casualty which is covered by its property insurance policy (or would have been covered had Subtenant carried the insurance required hereunder), and regardless of whether such fire or other casualty is caused in whole or in part by the acts or omissions of Sublandlord or Master Landlord or their agents, servants, employees or invitees, then Subtenant agrees to look first to the coverage provided by its insurance proceeds, and Subtenant shall have no right of action against Sublandlord, Master Landlord, or their agents, servants, employees or invitees, and no third party shall have any right by way of assignment, subrogation or otherwise against the party causing such loss; provided, however the foregoing release of claims shall only apply to the extent of insurance proceeds actually collected by such party (unless such party failed to maintain the coverage required hereunder in which event it shall be deemed to have recovered the entire policy amount required hereunder). In the event Sublandlord sustains a loss by reason of fire or other casualty which is covered by its property insurance policy and regardless of whether such fire or other casualty is caused in whole or in party by the acts or omissions of Subtenant or its agents, servants, employees or invitees, then Sublandlord agrees to look first to the coverage provided by its insurance proceeds, and it shall have no right of actions against Subtenant or its agents, servants, employees or invitees, and no third party shall have any right by way of assignment, subrogation or otherwise against Subtenant; provided, however the foregoing release of claims shall only apply to the extent of insurance proceeds actually collected by Sublandlord. The parties hereto agree that each of its policies of property insurance shall include a waiver of subrogation to effectuate the provisions of this provision.
 
4

 
 
(c)
Subtenant agrees the Master Landlord and not Sublandlord shall provide insurance on the Building and restore the Premises, or the Building, as applicable, in the event of a fire or other casualty.
 
6.
SECURITY DEPOSIT (Intentionally Deleted)

7.
USE OF PREMISES
 
Subtenant shall use and occupy the Subleased Premises only for the Permitted Uses, and only to the extent permitted by the Master Lease and all laws governing or affecting Subtenant’s particular use of the Subleased Premises.
 
8.
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING
 
Subtenant shall not assign this Sublease or further sublet all or any part of the Premises without the prior written consent of Sublandlord and of Master Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed. The following transactions shall be deemed assignments of this Sublease requiring such prior written consents: (i) any assignment, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation or other transfer of this Sublease; (ii) any sublease, concessions, license or occupancy agreement with respect to all or any portion of the Subleased Premises; (iii) if Subtenant or any of its successors or assigns is a corporation, any sale, pledge or other transfer of all or a majority of the capital stock of Subtenant or any such successor or assign (unless such stock is publicly traded on a recognized security exchange or over-the-counter market), any merger, consolidation or reorganization of or into Subtenant or any such successor or assign, and any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Subtenant or such successor or assign.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sublandlord shall grant its consent (subject to obtaining consent from Master Landlord) to assign this Sublease or to sublet the Subleased Premises (in whole or in part) (i) to any parent or subsidiary corporation of Subtenant or (ii) to any corporation or other business organization controlled by or under common control with Subtenant or (iii) to any corporation or other business organization into which Subtenant may be converted or with which it may merge or (iv) to any business organization acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of Subtenant (each, a “Permitted Transfer”), provided that the entity to which this Sublease is so assigned or which so sublets the Premises (or portion thereof) has the tangible net worth, financial capability and liquidity which is the same or better than the Subtenant as of the date of the Permitted Transfer.
 
Any attempt by Subtenant to assign, sublet or transfer its rights in the Subleased Premises without the prior written consent of both Sublandlord and Master Landlord (if required) shall be void, and at Sublandlord’s options, any breach of this Section II.8 shall constitute a default by Subtenant entitling Sublandlord to exercise all rights and remedies permitted hereunder without need for any notice and cure period. No permitted assignment, transfer, encumbrance or subletting shall relieve Subtenant from Subtenant’s obligations and agreements hereunder and Subtenant shall continue to be liable as a principal and not as a guarantor or surety to the same extent as though no assignment, transfer, encumbrance or subletting had been made.
 
5

 
9.
PROVISION OF SERVICES  
 
No services are currently included in Sublease Rent except for any provided by Master Landlord to Sublandlord under Section 7 the Master Lease. Subtenant shall have no right to require Sublandlord to perform any of such services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sublandlord agrees that it shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause Master Landlord’s compliance with its Master Lease obligations. If Sublandlord furnishes the Subleased Premises or Subtenant with any additional services upon request of Subtenant, Sublandlord shall charge Subtenant a reasonable charge therefor, and Subtenant shall pay the additional charge within ten (10) business days after receipt of billing by Sublandlord.

10.
INITIAL IMPROVEMENTS; CONSTRUCTION ALLOWANCE  

At Subtenant’s expense, Sublandlord shall perform the work set forth on the estimate attached hereto as Exhibit E (such work, the “Initial Improvements”). Sublandlord shall provide Subtenant with a $1,000.00 construction allowance for the Initial Improvements. Sublandlord shall comply with the requirements of the Master Lease for the construction of the Initial Improvements and all construction work shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner and in compliance with all applicable laws and all lawful ordinances, regulations and orders of governmental authority and insurers of the Building. If Sublandlord is unable to complete the Initial Improvements prior to September 13, 2008, then beginning on September 13, 2008, a fee of $1,000 per day shall be credited against amounts owed or owing to Sublandlord hereunder (the “Late Delivery Fee”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Late Delivery Fee shall not apply if and to the extent any delay is proximately caused by the negligence, misconduct, or unreasonable interference (with Landlord’s work) of the Subtenant (for example, by requesting a change to the Initial Improvements that results in a delay or delays to Sublandlord’s construction of the Initial Improvements caused by Subtenant’s early access to the Subleased Premises in accordance with Section 11 hereof), or any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Subleased Premises. Any Late Delivery Fee will first be applied to amounts owed to Sublandlord in connection with the Initial Improvements, and thereafter will be applied to rent then due or next coming due. Additionally, if Master Landlord and Sublandlord have not executed a written agreement consenting to this Sublease (and stipulating that Subtenant shall not be required to remove the Initial Improvements upon expiration or sooner termination of the Sublease Term) on or before September 1, 2008, then Subtenant shall have the right to terminate this Sublease and all of its obligations hereunder.

11.
EARLY ACCESS

Beginning after 5 p.m. on September 1, 2008, Subtenant shall be permitted reasonable access to the Subleased Premises prior to the Sublease Commencement Date for the purposes of reconfiguring modular workstations, running cables, setting up information technology infrastructure and doing such other work as may be appropriate or desirable to enable Subtenant to assume possession of and operate in the Subleased Premises; provided, however, that such access shall not interfere with the normal conduct of Sublandlord’s business operations or Sublandlord’s construction of the Initial Improvements. Prior to any such entry, Subtenant shall comply with all insurance provisions of the Sublease. All waiver and indemnity provisions of the Sublease shall apply upon Subtenant’s entry onto the Subleased Premises.

6


12.
TRADE FIXTURES
 
Subtenant shall have the right to furnish and install any trade fixtures that are necessary for the conduct of its business; provided, however, that at the termination of this Sublease, Subtenant shall remove such trade fixtures and restore the Subleased Premises at Subtenant’s sole cost to the state and condition in which they existed on the Sublease Commencement Date, ordinary wear and tear and approved alterations excepted. If Subtenant fails to comply with the provisions of this paragraph, Sublandlord may make such repairs or restoration, and the reasonable cost thereof shall be additional rent payable by Subtenant on demand. All trade fixtures shall be and remain the property of Subtenant, provided that any such trade fixtures remaining on the Premises after the expiration or termination of the term hereof shall be deemed abandoned by Subtenant and shall, at Sublandlord’s option, become the property of Sublandlord without payment therefor.
 
13.
ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS
 
Other than the Initial Improvements, Sublandlord shall have no obligation to make any alterations or improvements to the Subleased Premises for Subtenant’s use or occupancy thereof. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Master Lease to the contrary, Subtenant shall not make any alterations, additions, improvements or installments in the Subleased Premises without in each instance obtaining the prior written consent of the Master Landlord, in accordance with the consent requirements of the Master Lease, and the Sublandlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed. If Sublandlord and Master Landlord consent to any such alterations, improvements or installations, Subtenant shall perform and complete such alterations, improvements and installations at its expense, in compliance with applicable laws and the Master Lease. If Subtenant performs any alterations, improvements or installations without obtaining the prior written consent of both Master Landlord and Sublandlord, Sublandlord (or Master Landlord) may remove such alterations, improvements or installations, restore the Subleased Premises and repair any damage arising from such removal or restoration, and Subtenant shall be liable for all costs and expenses incurred in the performance of such removal, repairs or restoration. All approved alterations, additions and improvements (except trade fixtures) shall be and remain the property of Sublandlord upon installation and shall be surrendered to Sublandlord upon the termination of this Sublease. If Master Landlord requires any removal and restoration of alterations and improvements, Sublandlord shall undertake such removal and restoration and Subtenant shall be liable to Sublandlord for all costs and expenses incurred by Sublandlord in connection therewith, but only to the extent attributable to alterations and improvements made by Subtenant after taking possession of the Subleased Premises.
 
7

 
14.
SUBORDINATION TO MASTER LEASE
 
This Sublease shall at all times be subject and subordinate to the terms and provisions of the Master Lease. Except for Sections 3(b), 3(c), 4, 5(c), 7, 8(b), 9(c), 9(d), 9(e), 10, 14, 16(a), 16(c), 22, 23 (fourth (4th) sentence from the end only), 31, 33, 39, 40, 41, 42(d), 42(i), 42(j), 42(k), 42(l), and Exhibit C of the Master Lease and except as otherwise set forth in this Sublease, all of the terms and conditions contained in the Master Lease are hereby incorporated herein by this reference as terms and conditions of this Sublease, except that references in the Master Lease to the terms listed in Column A below shall be deemed to be references to the terms set forth in this Sublease listed in the same row in Column B below:
 
Column A
 
Column B
     
Lease
 
 
Sublease
 
Landlord
 
 
Sublandlord
 
Tenant
 
 
Subtenant
 
Term
 
 
Sublease Term
 
Annual Rental
 
Premises
 
Sublease Rent
 
Subleased Premises
 
Commencement Date
 
Sublease Commencement Date
 
Subtenant shall not cause a default under the Master Lease or permit its employees, agents, contractors or invitees to cause a default under the Master Lease.
 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Sublease, Sublandlord, as sublandlord under this Sublease, shall have the benefit of all rights and remedies (but not waivers or limitations of liability) enjoyed by Master Landlord, as the landlord under the Master Lease, but (i) Sublandlord shall have no obligation under this Sublease to perform the obligations of Master Landlord, as landlord under the Master Lease, including without limitation any obligation to provide services or maintain insurance; (ii) Sublandlord shall not be bound by any representations or warranties of the Master Landlord under the Master Lease; (iii) in any instance where the consent of Master Landlord is required under the terms of the Master Lease, the consent of Sublandlord and Master Landlord shall be required; and (iv) Sublandlord shall not be liable to Subtenant for any failure or delay in Master Landlord’s performance of its obligations, as landlord under the Master Lease. Upon request of Subtenant, Sublandlord shall, at Subtenant’s expense, use reasonable efforts to cause Master Landlord to perform its obligations under the Master Lease, including without limitation, those obligations set forth in Sections 7 and 10 of the Master Lease.
 
8


Upon the default by Subtenant in the full and timely payment and performance of its obligations under the Sublease (beyond any applicable notice and cure period), Sublandlord may exercise any and all rights and remedies granted to Master Landlord by the Master Lease with respect to default by the Tenant or Lessee under the Master Lease. In the event that Subtenant breaches any of the terms conditions or covenants of this Sublease or of the Master Lease and fails to remedy such breach within ten (10) days after written notice, Sublandlord shall have the right, but not the obligation, to cure such breach and charge Subtenant for the costs incurred thereby, which costs Subtenant shall pay to Sublandlord upon demand. Subtenant shall not commit or suffer any act or omission that will violate any of the provisions of the Master Lease.
 
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Sublease, (i) in any instances where Master Landlord, as landlord under the Master Lease, has a certain period of time in which to notify Sublandlord, as tenant under the Master Lease, whether Master Landlord will or will not take any particular action, Sublandlord, as landlord under this Sublease, shall have an additional five (5) business day period after receiving such notice in which to notify Subtenant, (ii) in any instance where Sublandlord, as tenant under the Master Lease, has a certain period of time in which to notify Master Landlord as landlord under the Master Lease, whether Sublandlord will or will not take any particular action, Subtenant, as tenant under this Sublease, must notify Sublandlord, as landlord under this Sublease, at least five (5) business days before the end of such period, but in no event shall Subtenant have a period of less than five (5) business days in which so to notify Sublandlord unless the relevant period under the Master Lease is five (5) business days or less, in which case the period under this Sublease shall be two (2) days less than the period provided to Sublandlord under the Master Lease, and (iii) in any instance where a specific grace period is granted to Sublandlord, as tenant under the Master Lease, before Sublandlord is considered in default under the Master Lease, Subtenant, as tenant under this Sublease, shall be deemed to have a grace period which is five (5) days less than Sublandlord before Subtenant is considered in default under this Sublease, but in no event shall any grace period be reduced to less than five (5) business days unless the relevant period under the Master Lease is six (6) days or less, in which case the period under this Sublease shall be two (2) days less than the period provided to Sublandlord under the Master Lease. Provided that Subtenant is not in default hereunder (beyond any applicable cure period), Sublandlord agrees not to enter into a voluntary agreement with Master Landlord to terminate the Master Lease (with an effective termination date prior to the expiration of the Sublease Term). Additionally, Sublandlord acknowledges and agrees that it shall not exercise its rights (if any) under Sections 39 and 40 of the Master Lease.

15.
INDEMNITY
 
Subtenant shall be liable for, and shall indemnify, defend and hold Sublandlord harmless from and against, any and all claims, damages, judgments, suits, causes of actions, losses, liabilities, and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs to the extent arising or resulting from (a) the negligence or willful misconduct of Subtenant or any of Subtenant’s agents, employees, subtenants, assignees, licensees, or invitees as to injuries to persons or damage to property occurring in or about the Subleased Premises and (b) the default by Subtenant of any obligation on Subtenant’s part to be performed under the terms of this Sublease; provided, however, Subtenant’s indemnity shall not apply or extend to any such damage or injury to the extent the same are: (i) the result of the negligence or willful misconduct of Sublandlord, or Sublandlord’s employees, agents or contractors, or (ii) paid to Sublandlord out of the proceeds of any policy of insurance required hereunder. In case any action or proceeding is brought against Sublandlord by reason of Subtenant’s indemnification obligation set forth in this section, Subtenant, upon notice from Sublandlord shall defend the same at Subtenant’s expense. The terms and provisions of this section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Sublease.

9


Sublandlord shall be liable for, and shall indemnify, defend and hold Subtenant and harmless from and against, any and all claims, damages, judgments, suits, causes of actions, losses, liabilities, and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs to the extent arising or resulting from (a) the negligence or willful misconduct of Sublandlord or any of Sublandlord’s agents, employees, subtenants, assignees, licensees, or invitees as to injuries to persons or damage to property occurring in or about the Building (and outside the Subleased Premises) and (b) the default by Sublandlord of any obligation on Sublandlord’s part to be performed under the terms of this Sublease; provided, however, Sublandlord’s indemnity shall not apply or extend to any such damage or injury to the extent the same are: (i) the result of the negligence or willful misconduct of Subtenant, or Subtenant’s employees, agents or contractors, or (ii) paid to Subtenant out of the proceeds of any policy of insurance required hereunder. In case any action or proceeding is brought against Subtenant by reason of Sublandlord’s indemnification obligation set forth in this section, Sublandlord, upon notice from Subtenant shall defend the same at Sublandlord’s expense. The terms and provisions of this section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Sublease .
 
16.
HOLDING OVER
 
If Subtenant remains in possession of the Subleased Premises or any part thereof after the expiration or other termination of the Term hereof, such occupancy shall be as a tenancy at sufferance at a rental in the amount equal to Sublandlord’s liability under Section 31 of the Master Lease, and upon all the other provisions of this Sublease pertaining to the obligations of Subtenant. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Subtenant shall be liable to Sublandlord for all costs, liabilities, losses and expenses incurred by Sublandlord as a result of Subtenant’s holding over.
 
17.
ATTORNEYS’ FEES; OTHER FEES
 
If Sublandlord or Subtenant shall commence an action against the other arising out of or in connection with this Sublease, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs of suit and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
 
18.
NOTICES OR DEMANDS
 
All notices and demands under this Sublease shall be in writing and shall be effective (except for notices to Master Landlord, which shall be given in accordance with the provisions of the Master Lease) upon the earlier of (i) actual receipt at the Sublandlord’s Notice Addresses or the Subtenant’s Notice Addresses, or the notice address of the Master Landlord set forth in the Master Lease, as the case may be, by the party being served, or (ii) upon delivery being refused. All such notices or demands shall be sent by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service that provides tracking and proof of receipt. Either party may change its address for notices and demands under this Sublease by ten (10) days’ advance written notice to the other party. Sublandlord agrees to promptly deliver to Subtenant copies of all notices sent or received by Sublandlord which allege a default under the Master Lease by either Landlord or Sublandlord.
 
10

 
19.
SIGNAGE
 
Subtenant shall not place any sign in or on the Building or the Subleased Premises without the prior written consent of Sublandlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed. Subject to Master Landlord’s consent, Subtenant shall have the same signage rights as provided in Section 16 of the Master Lease. Such signage shall be provided at Subtenant’s expense.
 
20.
PARKING
 
Subtenant shall have the same parking rights as provided in the Master Lease.
 
21.
MASTER LANDLORD’S CONSENT
 
This Sublease is expressly conditioned upon the receipt of Master Landlord’s written consent hereto. Subtenant agrees to reasonably cooperate with Sublandlord in providing such information as is necessary to satisfy such condition and to execute all agreements reasonably requested by Master Landlord in connection therewith. If Sublandlord is unable to secure Master Landlord’s written consent within thirty (30) days after Subtenant’s execution of this Sublease, then either party shall have the right (prior to Master Landlord actually granting its written consent) to terminate this Sublease and all of its obligations hereunder.
 
22.
CHOICE OF LAW
 
This Sublease shall be governed by the laws of the State in which the Subleased Premises are located.
 
23.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT
 
This Sublease, together with any exhibits and attachments hereto, Master Landlord’s consent form, and the Master Lease, constitutes the entire agreement between Sublandlord and Subtenant relative to the Subleased Premises , and this Sublease and the exhibits and attachments may be altered, amended or revoked only by an instrument in writing signed by both Sublandlord and Subtenant. Sublandlord and Subtenant agree hereby that all prior or contemporaneous oral discussions, letters or written documents between and among themselves and their agents and representatives relative to the subleasing of the Subleased Premises are merged in or revoked by this Sublease.
 
11

 
24.
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
 
This Sublease shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective heirs, administrators , executors, successors and assigns of the parties hereto; provided, however, that this provision shall not be construed to allow an assignment or subletting which is otherwise specifically prohibited hereby.
 
25.
SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS
 
The section and paragraph headings are included only for the convenience of the parties and are not part of this Sublease and shall not be used to interpret the meaning of provisions contained herein or the intent of the parties hereto.
 
26.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; AUTHORITY
 
Sublandlord and Subtenant each represent and warrant to the other that the individual(s) executing and delivering this Sublease on its behalf is/are duly authorized to do so and that this Sublease is binding on Subtenant and Sublandlord in accordance with its terms, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other party.
 
Sublandlord represents and warrants that (i)  to the best of Sublandlord’s knowledge, Master Landlord is not in default under the Master Lease, nor has any event occurred which, after any applicable notice and/or the expiration of any grace period, shall constitute a material default by Master Landlord under the Master Lease; and (ii) to the best of Sublandlord’s knowledge, Sublandlord is not in default under the Master Lease, nor has any event occurred which, after any applicable notice and/or the expiration of any grace period, shall constitute a default by Sublandlord under the Master Lease.
 
Except as expressly set forth in this Sublease, no representation or warranty has been given by either party, its agents and representatives, with respect to the subject matter of this Sublease, and neither party has relied upon any representations or warranty not expressly set forth herein.
 
27.
BROKERS
 
Sublandlord and Subtenant each represent and warrant to the other that it has not dealt with any broker other than the Brokers identified in Article I hereof in connection with the consummation of this Sublease. Sublandlord and Subtenant each shall indemnify and hold harmless the other against any loss, damage, claims or liabilities arising out of the inaccuracy of its representation or the breach of its warranty set forth in the previous sentence. Sublandlord shall be solely responsible for the payment of the brokerage commission due to the Brokers pursuant to a separate written agreement.
 
28.
NO OFFER
 
The submission of this Sublease or some or all of its provisions for examination does not constitute an option or an offer to enter into this Sublease, it being understood and agreed that neither Sublandlord or Subtenant shall be legally bound hereunder unless and until this Sublease has been executed and delivered by both Sublandlord and Subtenant, and then subject to the conditions hereof, including Article II Section 21.
 
12

 
27.
MEMORANDUM OF SUBLEASE

At the request of either party, the parties shall promptly execute (and Sublandlord shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have Master Landlord execute) and record, at the cost of the requesting party, a short form memorandum describing the Subleased Premises and stating the Sublease Term, and other information that the parties agree to include.

28.
COUNTERPARTS

This Sublease may be executed in a number of identical counterparts, each of which for all purposes is deemed an original, and all of which constitute collectively one (1) agreement, but in making proof of this Sublease, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.

29.
WAIVER OF “LANDLORD’S LIEN”

Subl andlord hereby agrees and affirms that it has no lien on, or security interest in, or claim to any of Subtenant’s personal property located in the Subleased Premises to secure Subtenant’s obligations hereunder, and Sublandlord hereby waives any such presumptive interest, statutory or otherwise, in any such personal property of Subtenant .

30.
LIABILITY OF SUBLANDLORD  

In the event of a transfer of Sublandlord’s interest in the Master Lease, or in this Sublease, it shall be deemed without further agreement between the parties and such transferee that the transferee has assumed and agreed to observe and perform all obligations of the Sublandlord hereunder. With regard to any such transfer, Sublandlord shall be released and remain without liability to Subtenant for the observance and performance of all obligations of the Sublandlord hereunder arising after the effective date of such transfer, and for breach of any of the representations and warranties made by Sublandlord herein. With respect to any provision of this Sublease which provides, in effect, that Sublandlord shall not unreasonably withhold or unreasonably delay any consent or any approval, Subtenant, in no event, shall be entitled to make, nor shall Subtenant make, any claim for, and Subtenant hereby waives any claim for money damages; nor shall Subtenant claim any money damages by way of setoff, counterclaim or defense, based upon any claim or assertion by Subtenant that Sublandlord has unreasonably withheld or unreasonably delayed any consent or approval; but Subtenant’s sole remedy shall be an action or proceeding to enforce any such provisions, or for specific performance, injunction or declaratory judgment.
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Sublease to be signed by their duly authorized representatives to be effective on the date first set out above.
 
Sublandlord :
 
Subtenant :
     
Advantis Real Estate Services Company
 
Smart Online, Inc.
     
By:
/s/ David Townsend
 
By:
/s/ David E. Colburn
     
Print Name: David Townsend  
 
Print Name: David Colburn
     
Print Title: Managing Director
 
Print Title: President
     
Date: 7/31/08
 
Date: 7/30/08  

List of Exhibits
 
Exhibit A - Master Lease
 
Exhibit B - Plan showing Subleased Premises
 
Exhibit C - Inventory of FF
 
Exhibit D - FF Conveyance Agreement
 
Exhibit E - Initial Improvements
 
14


EXHIBIT A

MASTER LEASE
 
A-1


OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

NOTTINGHAM HALL LLC
(AS LANDLORD)

AND

ADVANTIS REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY
(AS TENANT)

Nottingham Hall
4505 Emperor Boulevard
Durham, North Carolina

HOLLAND + KNIGHT LLP
2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Suite 100
Washington, DC 20006
Ph. (202) 955-3000
(202) 955-5564
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Page
1.
BASIC LEASE TERMS
 
1
 
2.
DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES
 
3
 
3.
TERM; COMMENCEMENT DATE; DELIVERY OF PREMISES
 
3
 
4.
RENTAL
 
5
 
5.
ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS BY TENANT
 
11
 
6.
USE OF PREMISES
 
12
 
7.
SERVICES BY LANDLORD
 
13
 
8.
TAXES ON LEASE AND TENANT’S PROPERTY
 
14
 
9.
INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY
 
15
 
10.
LANDLORD’S COVENANT TO REPAIR AND REPLACE
 
16
 
11.
PROPERTY OF TENANT
 
17
 
12.
TRADE FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
 
18
 
13.
DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION OF PREMISES
 
18
 
14.
GOVERNMENTAL ORDERS
 
19
 
15.
MUTUAL WAIVER OF SUBROGATION
 
19
 
16.
SIGNS AND ADVERTISING
 
20
 
18.
INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
 
22
 
19.
EMINENT DOMAIN
 
22
 
20.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
 
22
 
21.
SUBORDINATION
 
24
 
22.
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING
 
24
 
23.
LANDLORD DEFAULT
 
27
 
24.
TRANSFER OF LANDLORD’S INTEREST
 
27
 
25.
COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT
 
28
 
26.
ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES
 
28
 
27.
PROTECTION AGAINST LIENS
 
28
 
28.
MEMORANDUM OF LEASE
 
29
 
29.
FORCE MAJEURE
 
29
 
30.
REMEDIES CUMULATIVE – NONWAIVER
 
29
 
31.
HOLDING OVER
 
29
 
32.
NOTICES
 
30
 
33.
LEASING COMMISSION
 
30
 
34.
SEVERABILITY
 
30
 
35.
REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS
 
30
 
36.
PAYMENT OF TENANT’S OBLIGATIONS BY LANDLORD AND UNPAID RENT
 
31
 
37.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
 
31
 
38.
USA PATRIOT ACT AND ANTI-TERRORISM LAWS
 
32
 
39.
RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER
 
33
 
40.
TENANT TERMINATION RIGHT
 
35
 
OPTION TO EXTEND TERM
 
36
 
42.
MISCELLANEOUS
 
38
 
 


STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
LEASE AGREEMENT
COUNTY OF DURHAM

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the “Lease”) made and entered into as of the 19 th day of September, 2005 (the “Effective Date”), by and between NOTTINGHAM HALL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Landlord”), and ADVANTIS REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY, a Florida corporation (“Tenant”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree for themselves, their successors and assigns, as follows:

1.   BASIC LEASE TERMS .

The following terms shall have the following meanings in this Lease:

(a)   Premises : Approximately Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-Seven (9,837) rentable square feet of office space on the third (3 rd ) floor of the Building and known as Suite 300, as more particularly described on the floor plan attached hereto as Exhibit A .

(b)   Building : Nottingham Hall, located at 4505 Emperor Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina, containing approximately 105,263 rentable square feet of office space.

(c)   Business Park : Imperial Center Business Park.

(d)   Common Areas : All areas of the Building, the land on which the Building is located (the “Land”), the Other Buildings (hereinafter defined), the Project Land (hereinafter defined) and/or the Business Park, as applicable, which are available for the common use or benefit of all tenants primarily or to the public generally, including without limitation, parking areas, driveways, sidewalks, loading docks, the lobby, corridors, elevators, stairwells, entrances, public restrooms, mechanical rooms, janitorial closets, telephone rooms, mail rooms, electrical rooms, and other similar areas of the Building providing for building systems, and any other common facilities furnished by Landlord from time to time.

(e)   Commencement Date : December 1, 2005.

(f)   Term : Five (5) years, nine (9) months.
 


(g)   Minimum Rental :
 
[***]

(h)   Operating Expense Stop : Actual Operating Expenses for calendar year 2006.

(i)   Tenant’s Proportionate Share : [9.35%] (representing a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of rentable square feet within the Premises and the denominator of which is the number of rentable square feet within the Building).
 
(j)   Notice Addresses :

Landlord:
 
Nottingham Hall LLC
444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 900
Miami, Florida 33131
Attention: Chief Operating Officer
     
and to:
 
Nottingham Hall LLC
c/o ACP Mid-Atlantic LLC, as Agent
2350 Corporate Park Drive, Suite 110 Herndon, Virginia 20171
Attention: Asset Manager
     
with a copy to:
 
Holland & Knight LLP
2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 100
Washington, D.C. 20006
Attention: David S. Kahn, Esq.
     
Tenant:
 
Advantis Real Estate Services Company Nottingham Hall
4505 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 300
Durham, North Carolina 27703
Attention: David P. Oddo

[***] Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.

2


with a copy to:
 
John Hutcheson, CFO/COO
Advantis Real Estate Services Company
3455 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 400
Atlanta, Georgia 30320
     
and to:
 
Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 300
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
Attention: Eric A. Vernon, Esq.
 
(k)   Security Deposit : None.

(1)   Brokers :   Tri-Properties, Inc. and ACP Mid-Atlantic LLC, as Landlord’s broker;  Advantis Real Estate Services
               Company, as Tenant’s broker.

(m)   Guarantor : None.

(n)   Parking . Tenant shall have the right to use [forty-five (45)] unreserved parking spaces (or 4.5 unreserved parking spaces per 1,000 rentable square feet of the Premises) in the surface parking areas adjacent to the Building which constitutes a portion of the Common Areas of the Land.

(o)   Extension Option : One (1) five (5) year period.

2.   DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES .

In consideration of Tenant’s agreement to pay Minimum Rental (hereinafter defined) and Additional Rental (hereinafter defined), Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby accepts and rents from Landlord, the Premises within the Building located in the Business Park; together with the nonexclusive right to use the Common Areas of the Land and the Building. The useable area of the Premises has been determined in accordance with the standards set forth in ANSI Z65.1-1996, as promulgated by the Building Owners and Managers Association (“BOMA Standard”).

3.   TERM; COMMENCEMENT DATE; DELIVERY OF PREMISES .

(a)   Term . The term of this Lease (the “Term”) shall commence on the date set forth in Section 1(e), above (hereinafter defined), and expire at 11:59 p.m. on August 31, 2011 (the “Expiration Date”), unless the Term is otherwise extended or terminated in accordance with the terms hereof. As used herein, the term “Lease Year” shall mean (i) each consecutive twelve-month period of the Term, beginning with the Commencement Date, except that if the Commencement Date does not occur on the first day of a calendar month, the first Lease Year shall commence on the Commencement Date and terminate on the last day of the twelfth (12 th ) full calendar month after the Commencement Date, and (ii) each successive period of twelve (12) calendar months thereafter during the Term.
 
3

 

(b)   Delivery of Premises to Tenant; Delay in Delivery of Premises . Promptly after the Commencement Date, Landlord shall complete and deliver to Tenant the completed form of Declaration of Commencement Date which is attached to this Lease as Exhibit B (the “Declaration”). Within five (5) days after Tenant receives the completed Declaration from Landlord, Tenant shall execute and return the Declaration to Landlord to confirm the Commencement Date, the Rent Commencement Date (hereinafter defined), the Term and the actual number of rentable square feet in the Premises. Failure to execute the Declaration shall not affect the commencement or expiration of the Term. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary: (i) Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any delay by Landlord in delivering the Premises to Tenant; and (ii) except as otherwise expressly set forth immediately below, Tenant shall not be released from its obligation to accept possession of the Premises from Landlord in the event of any such delay by Landlord in delivering the Premises to Tenant; provided however, for each day after November 30, 2005, as such date is extended day-for-day due to Force Majeure (hereinafter defined) and Tenant Delay (the “Anticipated Outside Delivery Date”) that Landlord fails to deliver the Premises to Tenant in its “as is” condition, in addition to a delay in the Commencement Date caused thereby, Tenant shall receive one (1) day of abatement of Minimum Rental (hereinafter defined) otherwise owing under the Lease, not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days of abatement in the aggregate, which rent abatement shall be applicable to the period commencing immediately after the Abatement Period (hereinafter defined). In addition, in the event that Landlord fails to deliver the Premises to Tenant in its “as is” condition within one hundred twenty (120) days after the Anticipated Outside Delivery Date (the “Outside Delivery Date”), then Tenant may, upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to Landlord delivered to Landlord by Tenant after the Outside Delivery Date, terminate this Lease, and upon such termination, the parties shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder; provided however if Landlord delivers the Premises to Tenant within this thirty (30) day period, the Lease shall not terminate and shall continue in full force and effect throughout the Term. In the event Landlord is unable to deliver possession of the Premises to Tenant on or before the Commencement Date, the Expiration Date shall be postponed by the same number of days the Commencement Date is delayed and Landlord shall not be liable or responsible for any claims, damages, or liabilities by reason of such delay, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein.

(c)   Tenant Improvements .

(i)   Landlord shall deliver the Premises to Tenant in its then “as-is” condition, without (A) any obligation on Landlord’s part to construct or, except for the Improvement Allowance (hereinafter defined), pay for any improvements or alterations therein; or (B) any representations or warranties regarding the condition thereof, except as expressly set forth herein. Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, subject to the application of the Improvement Allowance, construct in the Premises the Tenant Improvements (as defined in the Work Agreement) described in the Work Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Work Agreement”), in substantial accordance with the terms and conditions of the Work Agreement. In the event that Landlord and Tenant have not finally agreed upon the scope and details of the Tenant Improvements as of the date of execution of this Lease, Tenant’s submissions to Landlord of plans and specifications detailing such work shall be subject to Landlord’s written approval in accordance with the Work Agreement, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, except to the extent that any Tenant Improvements proposed by Tenant involve changes to the base Building or any of the systems therein, in which event Landlord may withhold its consent in its sole discretion. The Tenant Improvements shall be subject to Landlord’s prior written approval in accordance with the terms of the Work Agreement, shall comply with all applicable building codes, laws and regulations (including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act), shall not require any material changes to or modifications of any of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing or other systems of the Building, and shall otherwise be constructed in strict accordance with the terms of the Work Agreement.

4


(ii)   The cost of all design, architectural and engineering work, construction costs, construction supervision, contractor’s overhead and profit, licenses and permits, and all other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Tenant Improvements shall be at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, subject to the application of the Improvement Allowance as more fully set forth in the Work Agreement. Landlord shall disburse the Improvement Allowance as provided in the Work Agreement. All costs incurred in respect of the Tenant Improvements in excess of the Improvement Allowance shall be paid by Tenant. Any portion of the Improvement Allowance not expended by Tenant within twelve (12) months of the Effective Date in undertaking the design and construction of the Tenant Improvements shall be retained by Landlord.

4.   RENTAL .
During the Term, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, in care of Landlord’s agent, ACP Mid-Atlantic LLC (“Landlord’s Agent”), at the notice address set forth for such agent in Section 1(j) herein, without notice, demand, reduction (except as may be applicable pursuant to the Sections of this Lease entitled “Damage or Destruction of Premises”, “Eminent Domain” and Tenant Improvements”), setoff or any defense, a total rental (the “Annual Rental”) consisting of the sum total of the following:

(a)   Minimum Rental .

Beginning with the Commencement Date and continuing through the Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant shall pay Minimum Rental in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 1(g) in equal monthly installments each in advance on or before the first day of each calendar month, with the first full monthly installment of Minimum Rental due upon the execution and delivery of this Lease by Tenant. If the Commencement Date is a date other than the first day of a calendar month, the Minimum Rental shall be prorated daily from such date to the first day of the next calendar month and paid on or before the Commencement Date.

5


(b)   Operating and Maintenance Expenses .

(i)   Beginning on January 1, 2007 and continuing throughout the remainder of the Term, Tenant shall pay Tenant’s Proportionate Share (as set forth in Section l(i), above) of all Operating Expenses (hereinafter defined) paid or incurred by Landlord each calendar year to the extent such costs exceed the Operating Expense Stop set forth in Section 1(h), above. As used herein, the term “Operating Expenses” means all costs and expenses paid or incurred by Landlord in connection with the ownership, operation, repair or maintenance of the Building and the Land, including without limitation, all: (A) ad valorem property taxes (or any tax hereafter imposed in lieu thereof) levied on the Premises, the Building, the Land or any improvements thereon, (B) insurance premiums and policy deductibles paid with respect to the Building, including fire and extended coverage insurance and liability insurance, (C) personal property taxes applicable to the Building or the Premises, (D) fees or costs incurred in connection with protesting any tax assessment provided such amounts shall not exceed the amount of the net effective reduction in such tax, (E) Standard Building Services (as hereinafter defined) including utilities, heat and air conditioning, standard janitorial service and window cleaning, (F) building management (including management fees), (G) the cost of grass mowing, shrub care and general landscaping, irrigation systems, maintenance and repair to parking and loading areas, (including storage of materials), driveways, sidewalks, exterior lighting, garbage collection and disposal, snow removal, water and sewer, plumbing, signs and other facilities serving or benefiting the Premises or the Building, (H) the cost of all services rendered by third parties with respect to the Building and the Land, including the Common Areas thereof, and all costs paid or incurred by Landlord in providing any of the services to be provided by Landlord pursuant to the terms of this Lease; (I) costs of all capital improvements, repairs or equipment in or to the Building which are undertaken to comply with applicable law or which are intended to reduce Operating Expenses; provided that the cost of any such capital improvements, repairs or equipment shall be amortized on a straight line basis over a reasonable period of time (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as reasonably interpreted by Landlord), with imputed interest at eight percent (8%) per annum, and (J) the Building’s proportionate share of the costs and expenses paid or incurred by Landlord in the operation, repair and maintenance of the Business Park, including without limitation the costs and expenses associated with the maintenance and operation and repair of Business Park amenities made available for the common use and enjoyment of the tenants of the Business Park from time to time. In the event that Landlord elects to employ a single service provider to provide to the Building and the Other Buildings (hereinafter defined) any category of goods or services relating to the operation, repair or maintenance thereof, Operating Expenses hereunder shall include the Building’s share of the total cost of such goods or services provided during any calendar year, as reasonably determined by Landlord. As used herein, the term “Other Buildings” means the office buildings located at 5827 South Miami Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina and 5927 South Miami Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina. As used herein, the term “Project Land” means the Land and the land on which the Other Buildings are located. Notwithstanding any provisions in the Lease to the contrary, the following shall be excluded from the meaning of “Operating Expenses” payable by Tenant under this Lease:

 
·
depreciation on the Building;
 
·
expenses for which the Landlord is reimbursed (either by an insurer, condemnor, tenant or otherwise), but expressly excluding reimbursement by means of pass-through payments by tenants of the Building;
 
·
expenses incurred in leasing or procuring new tenants for the Building (including, without limitation, legal fees, lease commissions, advertising expenses, space planning costs and expenses of renovating space for new tenants);

6


 
·
legal expenses arising out of the construction or leasing of the Building or the enforcement of the provisions of any agreements affecting Landlord with respect to the Building or the Business Park;
 
·
any principal, interest or amortization payments on any mortgage or mortgages, and rental under any ground or underlying lease or leases;
 
·
wages, salaries or other compensation or benefits paid to any executive employees above the grade of property manager;
 
·
wages, salaries or other compensation paid for clerks or attendants in concessions or newsstands operated by the Landlord;
 
·
the portion of any fees, wages, salaries and other compensation to the extent allocable to services not rendered at, or in connection with the operation or maintenance of, the Building;
 
·
the cost of installing, operating and maintaining a specialty improvement (including an observatory, broadcasting, cafeteria or dining facility, luncheon, or club) the use of which is not offered to all tenants of the Building;
 
·
any cost or expense representing an amount paid to a corporation related to Landlord which is in excess of the amount which would be paid in the absence of such relationship;
 
·
the costs of signs in or on the Building identifying Landlord or any tenant of the Building;
 
·
cost of professional fees applicable to services not rendered in connection with the operation, leasing or maintenance of the Building;
 
·
cost of dues and/or subscriptions;
 
·
cost of travel and/or entertainment;
 
·
any fines or penalties (excluding tax penalties);
 
·
expenses resulting directly or indirectly from the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or its agents, employees or contractors, but only to the extent that such cost would not have been incurred but for such negligence or willful misconduct;
 
·
any bad debts loss, rent loss, or reserves for bad debts or rent loss;
 
·
costs associated with the operation of the business of the entity which constitutes Landlord (as the same are distinguished from the costs of operation of the Building or common areas);
 
·
costs (including without limitation permit, license and inspection costs) incurred in connection with tenant improvement work performed by Landlord for its tenants (including Tenant) or in vacant rentable space in the Building;
 
·
repairs or replacements with respect to which Landlord is reimbursed under warranties or guaranties;
 
·
cost of damage and repairs attributable to condemnation;
 
·
any sale, syndication, financing or refinancing costs and expenses, including, but not limited to, interest or amortization on debt;
 
·
contributions to employee pension plans;

7


 
·
tax penalties incurred as a result of Landlord’s negligence or its inability or unwillingness to make payments when due;
 
·
costs incurred by the Landlord due to the violation by Landlord of the terms and conditions of any lease of space in the Building;
 
·
rental costs for air conditioning systems, elevators or other equipment (except for temporary rentals or rentals needed in connection with emergencies or normal repairs and maintenance of permanent systems) which, if purchased, rather than rented, would constitute a capital improvement (except for items that, if purchased, would be Permitted Capital Expenditures and equipment not affixed to the Building which is used in providing janitorial, security or other similar services);
 
·
acquisition costs of sculpture, paintings or works of art; and
 
·
reserve accounts of all types.

Under no condition shall Landlord collect in excess of 100% of all Landlord’s Operating Expenses actually incurred in any calendar year or recover, through Operating Expenses, any item of cost actually incurred by Landlord more than once. Operating Expenses shall be reduced by the amount of any reimbursement, recoupment, payment, discount, credit, reduction, allowance, or the like actually received by Landlord that is allocable to any Operating Expenses.

(ii)   If, at any time during calendar year 2006 or any subsequent calendar year, less than ninety-five percent (95%) of the total rentable square feet of office space in the Building is occupied by tenants, the amount of Operating Expenses for such year shall be deemed to be the amount of Operating Expenses as reasonably estimated by Landlord that would have been incurred if the percentage of occupancy of the Building during such year was ninety-five percent (95%). If at any time during any calendar year, any part of the Building is leased to a tenant (hereinafter referred to as a “Special Tenant”) who, in accordance with the terms of its lease, provides its own utilities, cleaning or janitorial services or other services or is not otherwise required to pay a share of Operating Expenses in accordance with the methodology set forth in this Section 4(b), and Landlord does not incur the cost of such services, Operating Expenses for such calendar year shall be increased by the additional costs for cleaning and janitorial services and such other applicable expenses as reasonably estimated by Landlord that would have been incurred by Landlord if Landlord had furnished and paid for cleaning and janitorial services and such other services for the space occupied by the Special Tenant, or if Landlord had included such costs in “operating expenses” as defined in the Special Tenant’s lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Landlord collect in excess of 100% of all Landlord’s Operating Expenses actually incurred in any calendar year or recover, through Operating Expenses, any item of cost actually incurred by Landlord more than once.

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(c)   Payment of Operating Expenses .

Tenant shall pay to Landlord in advance each month, along with Tenant’s installments of Minimum Rental (and Additional Rental, if applicable) an amount (the “Tenant Contribution”) equal to one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of Landlord’s estimate of Tenant’s Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses for any calendar year (including any partial calendar year, as applicable) in excess of the Operating Expense Stop. Landlord will make reasonable efforts to provide Tenant with Landlord’s estimate of Tenant’s Contribution for the upcoming calendar year on or before December 15th of each calendar year during the Term hereof. Not more than once during any calendar year, Landlord may in good faith revise Tenant’s Proportionate Share of the Operating Expenses and upon Tenant’s receipt of a revised statement, Tenant shall pay Tenant’s Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses on the basis of such statement. If Landlord fails to notify Tenant of the revised amount of Tenant’s Contribution by such date, Tenant shall continue to pay the monthly installments of Tenant’s Contribution, if any, last payable by Tenant until notified by Landlord of such new estimated amount. Within one hundred twenty (120) days of the end of each calendar year of the Term, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a written statement setting forth the actual amount of Tenant’s Contribution for the preceding calendar year (the “Expense Statement”). Tenant shall pay the total amount of any balance due shown on such Expense Statement within thirty (30) days after its delivery. In the event such annual costs decrease for any such year, Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for any overage paid and the monthly rental installments for the next period shall be reduced accordingly, but not below the Minimum Rental; provided however, that in the event that any overage has been paid by Tenant with respect to the calendar year in which this Lease is terminated or expires, Landlord shall pay to Tenant an amount equal to such overage within sixty (60) days after the later to occur of: (i) the expiration or termination of this Lease, (ii) Tenant’s vacation of the Premises, or (iii) the last day of the calendar year in which such termination or expiration occurs. Further, Tenant shall be responsible for the payment of Tenant’s Contribution for the calendar year in which this Lease expires, prorated from January 1st thereof through the Expiration Date. Upon the Expiration Date, Landlord may elect either (i) to require Tenant, to pay any unpaid estimated amount within thirty (30) days after the Expiration Date, which estimate shall be made by Landlord based upon actual and estimated costs for such year, or (ii) to withhold the Security Deposit, if any, until the exact amount payable by Tenant is determinable, at which time Tenant shall promptly pay to Landlord any deficiencies or Landlord shall return any excess Security Deposit to Tenant.

(d)   Audit Rights .

Within ninety (90) days of Tenant’s receipt of any Expense Statement, Tenant shall be entitled to the following audit right with respect to such Expense Statement. Such audit right shall be exercisable by Tenant providing Landlord with a written notice setting forth Tenant’s reasonable basis for challenging the Expense Statement delivered by Landlord. If within sixty (60) days after Landlord’s receipt of Tenant’s written notice and statement, Landlord and Tenant are unable to resolve Tenant’s reasonable objections set forth in its notice to Landlord, then not later than fifteen (15) days after the expiration of such sixty (60)-day period Tenant shall deliver to Landlord written notice (the “Audit Notice”) that it wishes to employ on an hourly rate (and not a contingency fee) basis an independent certified public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Landlord to inspect and audit Landlord’s books and records at the Building relating to the reasonable objections raised in Tenant’s statement. If Tenant elects to employ such accountant as set forth above, then Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement reasonably satisfactory to Landlord executed by such accounting firm, and provide Landlord not less than fifteen (15) days’ notice of the date on which the accounting firm desires to examine Landlord’s books and records at the Building during regular business hours; provided, however, that such date shall be between thirty (30) and ninety (90) days after Tenant delivers to Landlord the Audit Notice. Such audit shall be limited to a determination of whether Landlord calculated the Expense Statement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Lease. Except as otherwise expressly set forth below, all costs and expenses of any such audit shall be paid by Tenant. Any audit performed pursuant to the terms of this Section 4.d shall be conducted only by an independent certified public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Landlord. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Tenant shall be entitled to exercise its right to audit pursuant to this Section 4.d only in strict accordance with the foregoing procedures and each such audit shall relate only to the most recent calendar year covered by the audited Expense Statement. The audit rights pursuant to this Section 4.d shall not transfer or apply to any subtenant or any other person or entity other than the “Tenant” hereunder. If the results of such audit determine that Tenant overpaid Operating Expenses during the calendar year in question by more than five percent (5%) of the correct amount owing, then, in addition to reimbursing Tenant for such overpayment, Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for the reasonable cost of such audit (not to exceed $3,500.00, however).

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(e)   Late Payment .

If any monthly installment of Minimum Rental, Additional Rental (if any) or any other sum due and payable pursuant to this Lease remains due and unpaid five (5) days after said amount becomes due, Tenant shall pay as Additional Rent hereunder a late payment charge equal to Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($500.00); provided, however, that Landlord agrees to waive the first (1 st ) such late payment charge in any twelve (12) month period, provided that Tenant pays the amount then due within three (3) days after Tenant’s receipt of written notice from Landlord. All unpaid rent and other sums of whatever nature owed by Tenant to Landlord under this Lease shall bear interest from the tenth (10 th ) day after the due date thereof until paid at the lesser of two percent (2%) per annum above the “prime rate” as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time (the “Prime Rate”) or the maximum interest rate per annum allowed by law. Acceptance by Landlord of any payment from Tenant hereunder in an amount less than that which is currently due shall in no way affect Landlord’s rights under this Lease and shall in no way constitute an accord and satisfaction.

(f)   Rental Abatement .

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Section 4, provided that Tenant is not in default of this Lease (beyond any applicable notice and cure period) at any time during the Abatement Period (hereinafter defined), Landlord hereby agrees to abate Minimum Rental and Additional Rental for the period (the “Abatement Period”) beginning on the Commencement Date and ending on the date which is the earlier to occur of: (i) August 31, 2006; or (ii) the date first occurring after the Commencement Date on which there occurs a default by Tenant under this Lease. On the day immediately following the last day of the Abatement Period (the “Rent Commencement Date”), and thereafter throughout the Term, Tenant shall pay Landlord full Minimum Rental and Additional Rental in the amounts set forth in this Section 4.

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5.   ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS BY TENANT .

(a)   After the Tenant Improvements have been completed in accordance with the terms of the Work Agreement, Tenant shall make no alterations, improvement or other changes in or to the Premises which will or may affect the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC or other systems of, or the exterior, roof or structural elements of, the Building, and shall make no changes of any kind respecting the Premises or the Building which are visible from the exterior of the Premises, without Landlord’s prior written consent, to be granted or withheld in Landlord’s sole discretion. Any other nonstructural changes or other alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises shall be made by or on behalf of Tenant only with the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. All alterations, additions or improvements, including without limitation all partitions, walls, railings, carpeting, floor and wall coverings and other fixtures (excluding, however, Tenant’s trade fixtures as described in the Section entitled “Trade Fixtures and Equipment” below) made by, for, or at the direction of Tenant shall, when made, become the property of Landlord, at Landlord’s sole election.

(b)   Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, all alterations and improvements undertaken by Tenant shall be consistent with the then-existing quality, color scheme (where appropriate), general aesthetic appearance and tenor of the balance of the Building and, in any event, Landlord may withhold its consent to any proposed alteration or improvement by Tenant unless Tenant agrees to remove said improvement at the end of the Term and restore the Premises to the condition in which it existed prior to the undertaking of the proposed alteration or improvement. Landlord shall also have the right to approve the contractor or contractors who shall perform any alterations, repairs in, to or about the Premises and to post notices of non-responsibility and similar notice, as appropriate. In addition, immediately after completion of any alterations, Tenant shall assign to Landlord any and all warranties applicable to such alterations and shall provide Landlord with as-built plans of the Premises depicting such alterations. All alterations and improvements to the Premises which are undertaken by, or on behalf of, Tenant, shall be subject to Tenant’s payment to Landlord of a fee (the “Construction Management Fee”) equal to two percent (2%) of the total cost of such alterations and improvements; provided, however, that Tenant shall not be obligated to pay Landlord a Construction Management Fee in connection with the construction by Tenant of the initial Tenant Improvements in the Premises. Except as otherwise provided herein, Tenant agrees to pay Landlord the Construction Management Fee within ten (10) days after receipt of Landlord’s invoice therefor.

(c)   Any alterations of any kind to the Premises or any part thereof, except Tenant’s furniture and moveable trade fixtures, shall at once become part of the realty and shall be surrendered with the Premises, as a part thereof, at the end of the Term hereof; provided, however, that Landlord may, by written notice to Tenant at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Term, require Tenant to remove any alterations (including all telecommunications cabling installed by Tenant in the Premises or between the Premises and any other portion of the Building) and to repair any damage to the Premises caused by such removal, all at Tenant’s sole expense. Any article of personal property, including business and trade fixtures, not attached to or built into the Premises, which were installed or placed in the Premises by Tenant at its sole expense, shall be and remain the property of Tenant and may be removed by Tenant at any time during the Term as long as Tenant is not in default hereunder and provided that Tenant repairs any damage to the Premises or the Building caused by such removal.

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6.   USE OF PREMISES .

(a)   Tenant shall use the Premises only for general office purposes and for no other purposes. Tenant shall comply with all laws, ordinances, orders, regulations or zoning classifications of any lawful governmental authority, agency or other public or private regulatory authority (including insurance underwriters or rating bureaus) having jurisdiction over the Premises. Tenant shall not do any act or follow any practice relating to the Premises, the Building or the Common Areas which shall constitute a nuisance or detract in any way from the reputation of the Building as a first-class real estate development comparable to other comparable buildings in the Raleigh/Durham market taking into account rent and other relevant factors. Tenant’s duties in this regard shall include allowing no noxious or offensive odors, fumes, gases, smoke, dust, steam or vapors, or any loud or disturbing noise or vibrations to originate in or emit from the Premises. In addition, Tenant shall not conduct a sale of any personal property on or about the Premises, the Building or in the Common Areas without the prior written consent of Landlord.

(b)   Without limiting the generality of Section 6(a), above, and excepting only office supplies and cleaning materials used by Tenant in its ordinary day to day business operations (but not held for sale, storage or distribution) and then only to the extent used, stored, transported and disposed of strictly in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and manufacturer’s recommendations, the Premises shall not be used for the treatment, storage, transportation to or from, use or disposal of toxic or hazardous wastes, materials, or substances, or any other substance that is prohibited, limited or regulated by any governmental or quasi-governmental authority or that, even if not so regulated, could or does pose a hazard to health and safety of the occupants of the Building or surrounding property (collectively “Hazardous Substances”). In addition, Tenant shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from, all costs, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with the use, storage, discharge or disposal of any Hazardous Substances by Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees.

(c)   Tenant shall exercise due care in its use and occupancy of the Premises and shall not commit or allow waste to be committed on any portion of the Premises; and at the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant shall deliver the Premises to Landlord in the same condition in which it existed as of the Commencement Date, ordinary wear and tear, fire or other casualty and acts of God alone excepted. Further, at the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, remove all telecommunications and computer cabling installed by Tenant within the Premises or any other portion of the Building. In the event Tenant fails to remove such cabling within five (5) days after the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Landlord may elect to remove same and Tenant shall promptly reimburse Landlord for all costs incurred by Landlord in connection with the removal of such equipment plus an administration fee equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of such cost. In the event Tenant fails to promptly pay such amounts, Landlord shall be entitled to deduct such amounts from the Security Deposit, if any, prior to returning same to Tenant.

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(d)   Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Premises shall include the use in common with others entitled thereto of the Common Areas and all other improvements provided by Landlord for the common use of the Building tenants, and any other common facility as may be designated from time to time by the Landlord, subject, however, to the terms and conditions of this Lease and to the reasonable rules and regulations for use therefor as prescribed from time to time by the Landlord. Subject to the terms hereof, Tenant, its employees, agents, customers and invitees shall have the nonexclusive use (in common with other benefiting tenants) to use the Common Areas for purposes intended and the non-exclusive use of the adjacent surface parking areas in accordance with Section l(n) herein. Tenant shall not at any time interfere with the use of the Common Areas by Landlord, another tenant or any other person entitled to use the same. Landlord reserves the right, from time to time, to alter any of the Common Areas, to exercise control and management of the same, and to establish, modify, change and enforce such reasonable rules and regulations as Landlord in its discretion may deem desirable for the management of the Building or the Common Areas provided that no alteration of the Common Areas shall reduce the number of parking spaces provided by Landlord on any surface lot or parking structure located adjacent to the Building below the number of parking spaces required by applicable law.

(e)   Tenant shall save Landlord harmless from any claims, liabilities, penalties, fines, costs, expenses or damages resulting from the failure of Tenant to comply with the provisions of this Section 6. This indemnification shall survive the termination or expiration of this Lease.

7.   SERVICES BY LANDLORD .

(a)   Provided that Tenant has fully complied with all terms and conditions of this Lease and is not then in default hereunder, Landlord shall cause to be furnished to the Premises (subject to reimbursement as part of the Operating Expenses) in common with other tenants during “Standard Hours of Operation” (hereinafter defined), Monday through Friday and Saturday (excluding holidays), the following services (the “Standard Building Services”): janitorial services (once per working day after normal weekday working hours); water if available from city mains for drinking, lavatory and toilet purposes; operatorless elevator service; electricity for general office space use (including fluorescent lighting replacements to building standard fixtures only); trash removal in accordance with city schedules; and heating and air conditioning for reasonably comfortable use and occupancy of the Premises, provided that the provision of heating and cooling conforming to any governmental regulation prescribing limitations thereon shall be deemed to comply with this service. All additional costs resulting from Tenant’s extraordinary usage of heating, air conditioning or electricity, as reasonably determined by Landlord, shall be paid by Tenant, but Tenant shall not install equipment with unusual demands for any of the foregoing without Landlord’s prior written consent which Landlord may withhold if it determines that in its opinion such equipment may not be safely used in the Premises or that electrical service is not adequate therefor. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Landlord reserves the right to contract with any third party provider of such utilities to provide such services to the Premises, the Building and the Business Park in the most economical manner and Tenant shall not contract with any other third party provider to supply such utilities to the Premises without Landlord’s prior written consent. So long as Landlord acts reasonably and in good faith, there shall be no abatement or reduction of rent by reason of any of the foregoing services not being continuously provided to Tenant.

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(b)   Landlord agrees to provide heating and air conditioning after-hours (i.e., hours before or after the Standard Hours of Operation) at Tenant’s request after reasonable notice and if the area to be served is zoned for this purpose. The cost of after-hours service of heating or air conditioning shall be Additional Rent payable monthly by Tenant at $25.00 per hour. As used herein, “Standard Hours of Operation” shall mean and refer to those hours of operation at the Building which are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, except holidays. Holidays shall mean and refer to each of the following days (on the day set aside for observance): New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and any other holiday(s) generally recognized as such by landlords of office space in the Raleigh/Durham Area office market, as determined by Landlord.

(c)   Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any damage caused to Tenant and its property due to the Building or any part or appurtenance thereof being improperly constructed or being or becoming out of repair or, except to the extent that same results from Landlord’s negligence or willful misconduct, arising from the leaking of a pipe, facility or system for any utility. Tenant shall promptly report to Landlord any defective condition in or about the Premises known to Tenant.

(d)   Except for repairs and maintenance necessitated by acts or omissions of Tenant, or by any employee, agent, contractor, assignee, subtenant, invitee or customer of Tenant, Landlord shall be responsible for maintenance and repair of the structural elements and common areas of the Building.

8.   TAXES ON LEASE AND TENANT’S PROPERTY .

(a)   Tenant shall pay any taxes, documentary stamps or assessments of any nature which may be imposed or assessed upon this Lease, Tenant’s rental, leasing, letting or occupancy of the Premises or Tenant’s trade fixtures, equipment, machinery, inventory, merchandise or other personal property located on the Premises and owned by or in the custody of Tenant as promptly as all such taxes or assessments may become due and payable without any delinquency.

(b)   Landlord shall pay, subject to reimbursement from Tenant as provided in the Section entitled “Rental” of this Lease, all ad valorem property taxes which are now or hereafter assessed upon the Building, the Premises and the Common Areas, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease.

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9.   INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY .

(a)   Fire and Extended Coverage Insurance . Landlord shall maintain and pay, subject to reimbursement by Tenant as provided in Section 4 hereof, for fire and casualty special form “all risk” insurance, with extended coverage (including boiler and machinery coverage), covering the Building equal to at least eighty percent (80%) of the replacement cost thereof. Tenant shall not do or cause to be done or permit on the Premises or in the Building anything deemed extra hazardous on account of fire and Tenant shall not use the Premises, the Common Areas or the Building in any manner which will cause an increase in the premium rate for any insurance in effect on the Building or a part thereof. If, because of anything done, caused to be done, permitted or omitted by Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees, the premium rate for any kind of insurance in effect on the Building or any part thereof shall be raised, Tenant shall pay Landlord on demand the amount of any such increase in premium which Landlord shall pay for such insurance and if Landlord shall demand that Tenant remedy the condition which caused any such increase in an insurance premium rate, Tenant shall remedy such condition within five (5) days after receipt of such demand, provided that if the nature of such condition is such that it cannot be cured in five (5) days, Tenant shall have a reasonable time beyond such five (5) day period (not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days) to effect such remedy. Tenant shall maintain and pay for all fire and extended coverage insurance on its contents in the Premises, including trade fixtures, equipment, machinery, merchandise or other personal property belonging to or in the custody of Tenant. In addition, at all times during the Term, Tenant shall procure and maintain business income and extra expense coverage in such amounts as will reimburse Tenant for direct or indirect loss or earnings attributable to any loss caused by fire or other casualty or cause including, but not limited to, vandalism, theft and water damage of any type. Tenant shall first furnish to Landlord copies of insurance policies or certificates of insurance (ACORD 28 only) evidencing the required coverage prior to the Commencement Date and thereafter prior to each policy renewal date.

(b)   Liability Insurance . At all times during the term of this Lease, Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in force adequate public liability insurance under the terms of a commercial general liability policy (occurrence coverage) in the amount of not less than Three Million and No/100 Dollars ($3,000,000.00) single limit with such company(ies) licensed to do business in North Carolina and as shall from time to time be reasonably acceptable to Landlord (and to any lender having a mortgage interest in the Premises) and naming Landlord and Landlord’s Agent as additional insureds (and, if requested by Landlord from time to time, naming Landlord’s mortgagee as an additional insured). In the event Tenant employs any contractor to perform any work in the Premises, Tenant shall provide Landlord with insurance certificates naming Landlord and such other parties as Landlord may designate as additional insureds under policies of builders risk and general liability insurance and shall also provide Landlord with evidence of satisfactory workers compensation coverage in accordance with applicable statutory requirements. All policies of insurance required to be maintained by Tenant shall be with companies rated A-X or better in the most current issue of Best’s Insurance Reports and shall have a deductible of $25,000.00 or less. Such insurance shall include, without limitation, personal injury and contractual liability coverage for the performance by Tenant of the indemnity agreements set forth in this Lease. Tenant shall first furnish to Landlord copies of policies or certificates of insurance (ACORD 28 only) evidencing the required coverage prior to the Commencement Date and thereafter prior to each policy renewal date. All policies required of Tenant hereunder shall contain a provision whereby the insurer is not allowed to cancel or change materially the coverage without first giving thirty (30) days’ written notice to Landlord.

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(c)   Tenant Indemnity . Tenant shall indemnify and save Landlord harmless against any and all claims, suits, demands, actions, fines, damages, and liabilities, and all costs and expenses thereof (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by or claimed against Landlord and its agents, officers, directors and employees, directly or indirectly, as a result of or in any way arising from (i) Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Premises or in any other manner which arises out of, relates to, the business of Tenant, including, but not limited to, any cost, damage, claim, liability or expense arising from any violation of any zoning, health, environmental or other law, ordinance, order, rule or regulation of any governmental body or agency; (ii) injury to persons (including death) or property occurring in, on or about the Premises, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord; or (iii) injury to persons (including death) or property occurring elsewhere in the Building if caused or occasioned wholly or in part by the negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant, its employees, agents or contractors, or any Tenant Invitees.
 
(d)   Landlord Indemnity . Landlord shall indemnify, defend and save Tenant harmless against any and all claims, suits, demands, actions, fines, damages, and liabilities, and all costs and expenses thereof (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by or claimed against Tenant and its agents, officers, directors and employees, arising from injury to persons (including death) or damage to property occurring in, on or about the Building or the Land which is caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord.

(e)   Landlord Insurance . Landlord shall keep in force during the term of this Lease fire and extended coverage insurance in an amount equal to eighty percent (80%) of the replacement value of the Building.

10.   LANDLORD’S COVENANT TO REPAIR AND REPLACE .

(a)   During the Term, Landlord shall be responsible for necessary repairs or replacements to the base building structural components of the Building, including without limitation the Building’s central plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems; provided however in no event shall Landlord be responsible for any repairs or replacements (i) to any portion of the Premises, or any improvements or alterations therein (including the Tenant Improvements) or any trade fixtures or equipment required or requested by Tenant, or (ii) which are necessitated by the negligence, misconduct, or acts or omissions of Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees, which shall be made at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, unless such amounts are paid to Landlord pursuant to an insurance policy. Landlord shall maintain the Building in a manner which is comparable with other comparable buildings in the Raleigh/Durham market, taking into account rent and other relevant factors, and in substantial compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and codes; however, any non-compliance shall not materially impair Tenant’s use and enjoyment of the Premises or constitute a threat or danger to the health or safety of Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees. Landlord’s repairs and replacements shall be made as soon as reasonably possible using due diligence and reasonable efforts, taking into account in each instance all circumstances surrounding the repair or replacement including without limitation, the materiality of the repair or replacement to Tenant’s use and operation of its business within the Premises and the relation thereof to the enjoyment of same, such period not to exceed (90) days after receiving written notice from Tenant of the need for repairs or such longer period of time as is reasonably necessary under the circumstances so long as Landlord is diligently pursuing the completion of same; provided, however, in no event shall such period of time exceed 180 days after receipt of written notice from Tenant. If Landlord cannot, using due diligence, complete its repairs within 180 days after written notice for Tenant, and such failure to repair has a material adverse impact on Tenant’s use or occupancy of the Premises, then (unless the need for such repairs or replacements is (i) caused by fire or other casualty, or (ii) the result of the negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees, in either event Tenant shall not be entitled to any remedy, except as provided in Section 13, below) Tenant may terminate this Lease effective upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to Landlord. If the need for such repairs or replacements is the result of the negligence, misconduct or acts or omissions of Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees, and the expense of such repairs or replacements are not fully covered and paid by Landlord’s insurance, then Tenant shall pay Landlord the full amount of expenses not covered, less the deductible amount for which Landlord shall be solely responsible. Landlord’s duty to repair or replace as prescribed in this Section shall be Tenant’s sole remedy and shall be in lieu of all other warranties or guaranties of Landlord, express or implied.

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(b)   Landlord shall not be liable for any failure to make any repairs or to perform any maintenance required of Landlord hereunder unless such failure shall persist for an unreasonable period of time after written notice from Tenant setting forth the need for such repair(s) or replacement(s) in reasonable detail has been received by Landlord. Except as set forth in this Section and the Section of this Lease, entitled “Damage or Destruction of Premises” and “Rental Abatement”, there shall be no abatement of rent. There shall be no liability of Landlord by reason of any injury to or interference with Tenant’s business arising from the making of any repairs, replacements, alterations or improvements to any portion of the Building or the Premises, or to fixtures, appurtenances and equipment therein except to the extent caused directly by Landlord’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. To the extent permitted under applicable law, Tenant waives the right to make repairs at Landlord’s expense under any law, statute or ordinance now or hereafter in effect. In the event of an interruption of HVAC, electricity, or other utility service to the Premises that is caused by Landlord’s negligence or willful misconduct, and Landlord fails to restore such service to the Premises within five (5) business days after such interruption, and Tenant does not use or occupy the Premises during such the entire period of interruption, then Landlord shall abate the rent for each day or partial day after the fifth (5 th ) business day until such service has been restored.

11.   PROPERTY OF TENANT .

All property placed on the Premises by, at the direction of, or with the consent of Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees, shall be at the risk of Tenant or the owner thereof and Landlord shall not be liable for any loss of or damage to said property resulting from any cause whatsoever except to the extent of any loss or damage caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or its agents, provided same is not covered by the insurance Tenant is required to maintain under the terms of this Lease.

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12.   TRADE FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT .

Prior to installation, Tenant shall furnish to Landlord notice of all trade fixtures and equipment which it intends to install within the Premises and the installation of same shall be subject to Landlord’s consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing hereunder, any trade fixtures and equipment installed in the Premises at Tenant’s expense shall remain Tenant’s personal property and Tenant shall have the right at any time during the Term to remove such trade fixtures and equipment. Upon removal of any trade fixtures or equipment, Tenant shall immediately restore the Premises to substantially the same condition in which it existed when the Premises was delivered to Tenant by Landlord, ordinary wear and tear, fire or other casualty the responsibility for the repair of which is Landlord’s, and acts of God alone excepted. Any trade fixtures not removed by Tenant within ten (10) days after the expiration or an earlier termination of the Lease shall, at Landlord’s sole election, either (i) become the property of Landlord, in which event Landlord shall be entitled to handle and dispose of same in any manner Landlord deems fit without any liability or obligation to Tenant or any other third party with respect thereto, or (ii) be subject to Landlord’s removing such property from the Premises and storing same, all at Tenant’s expense and without any recourse against Landlord with respect thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following property shall in no event be deemed to be “trade fixtures” and Tenant shall not remove any such property from the Premises under any circumstances, regardless of whether installed by Landlord or Tenant: (a) any air conditioning, air ventilating or heating fixtures or equipment; (b) any lighting fixtures or equipment; (c) any carpeting or other permanent floor coverings; (d) any paneling or other wall coverings; (e) plumbing fixtures and equipment; or (f) permanent shelving.
 
13.   DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION OF PREMISES .

If the Premises are damaged by fire or other casualty, but are not rendered untenantable for Tenant’s business, either in whole or in part, Landlord shall cause such damage to be repaired without unreasonable delay and the Annual Rental shall not abate. If by reason of such casualty the Premises are rendered untenantable for Tenant’s business, either in whole or in part, Landlord shall cause the damage to the physical structure of the Building (excluding any tenant improvements or alterations therein) to be repaired or replaced without unreasonable delay, and, in the interim, the Annual Rental shall be proportionately reduced as to such portion of the Premises as is rendered untenantable. Any such abatement of rent shall not, however, create an extension of the Term. Provided , however , if by reason of such casualty, the Premises are rendered untenantable in some material portion, and Landlord, in its reasonable estimation, determines that the amount of time required to repair the damage using due diligence is in excess of one year (as measured from the date of casualty), then either party shall have the right to terminate this Lease by giving written notice of termination within thirty (30) days after the date of casualty, and the Annual Rental shall (i) abate as of the date of such casualty in proportion to the part of the Premises rendered untenantable and (ii) abate entirely as of the effective date of the termination of this Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the casualty giving rise to an election to terminate is caused by the negligence, misconduct or acts or omissions of Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees, Tenant shall have no right to terminate this Lease. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section, in the event there should be a casualty loss to the Premises during the last Lease Year of the Term which renders at least four thousand (4,000) rentable square feet of the Premises untenantable, either party may, at its option, terminate this Lease by giving written notice to the other party within thirty (30) days after the date of the casualty and the Annual Rental shall abate as of the date of such notice. Except as provided herein, Landlord shall have no obligation to rebuild or repair in case of fire or other casualty, and no termination under this Section shall affect any rights of Landlord or Tenant hereunder arising from the prior defaults of the other party. Tenant shall give Landlord prompt notice of any fire or other casualty in the Premises, and Landlord shall give Tenant Landlord’s determination of the time period which Landlord estimates will be required to repair such casualty damage promptly after Landlord ascertains same with reasonable certainty. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 13 to the contrary, Landlord shall only be obligated to restore the Premises to a building standard condition unless Tenant makes available to Landlord proceeds from Tenant’s insurance sufficient to repair and restore the Premises to the condition in which it existed immediately prior to such casualty, including those items in excess of building standard. In any event, Landlord shall not be required to expend more funds than the amount received by Landlord from the proceeds of any insurance (plus the amount of any deductible) and any amounts received from Tenant.

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14.   GOVERNMENTAL ORDERS .

Except as hereinbelow set forth regarding compliance of the physical structure of the Building with applicable governmental regulations, including without limitation compliance by the Common Areas thereof with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the implementing regulations thereof (the “ADA”) as of the Commencement Date, Tenant agrees, at its own expense, to comply promptly with all requirements of any legally constituted public authority that may be in effect from time to time made necessary by reason of Tenant’s use or occupancy of the Premises. Landlord agrees to comply promptly with any such requirements if not made necessary by reason of Tenant’s use or occupancy. With regard to the Common Areas of the Building, Landlord agrees to use good faith and due diligence to undertake those actions that are “readily achievable” (as such term is defined in the ADA) in order to attempt to bring the Common Areas of the Building in compliance with the applicable requirements of the ADA in effect as of the Commencement Date. If it is determined that for any reason Landlord shall have failed to cause the Common Areas of the Building to be brought into compliance with the ADA as of the Commencement Date (to at least the minimum extent required under applicable regulations then in effect), then Landlord, as its sole obligation, will take the action(s) necessary to cause the Common Areas of the Building (excluding any tenant improvements or alterations) to so comply, and Tenant acknowledges and agrees that Landlord has and shall have no other obligation or liability whatsoever to Tenant, or to anyone claiming by or through Tenant, regarding any failure of the Building or the activities therein to comply with the applicable requirements of the ADA. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, it is agreed that: (a) Tenant is exclusively responsible for all compliance with all requirements of any legally constituted public authority in the event non-compliance relates to the Premises or Tenant’s use thereof, and (b) in the event of any non-compliance for which Landlord is responsible, Landlord shall not be deemed in breach of this Lease if such non-compliance does not materially impair Tenant’s use of, or operations from, the Premises or threaten or endanger the health or safety of Tenant or Tenant’s Invitees.

15.   MUTUAL WAIVER OF SUBROGATION .

For the purpose of waiver of subrogation, the parties mutually release and waive unto the other all rights to claim damages, costs or expenses for any injury to property caused by a casualty or any other matter whatsoever in, on or about the Premises if the amount of such damage, cost or expense has been paid to such damaged party under the terms of any policy of insurance or would have been paid if the injured party had carried the insurance required of it hereunder. All insurance policies carried with respect to this Lease, if permitted under applicable law, shall contain a provision whereby the insurer waives, prior to loss, all rights of subrogation against either Landlord or Tenant.

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16.   SIGNS AND ADVERTISING .

(a)   Landlord shall install, at Landlord’s sole cost and expense, tenant identification signage in accordance with building standards at or near the suite entrance to the Premises and in the directory located in the lobby of the Building.

(b)   In order to provide architectural control for the Building and the Business Park, Tenant shall not install any exterior signs, marquees, billboards, outside lighting fixtures and/or other decorations on the Building, the Premises or the Common Areas. Landlord shall have the right to remove any such sign or other decoration restore fully the Building, the Premises or the Common Areas at the cost and the expense of Tenant if any such exterior work is done without Landlord’s prior written approval, which approval Landlord shall be entitled to withhold or deny in its sole discretion. Tenant shall not permit, allow or cause to be used in, on or about the Premises any sound production devices, mechanical or moving display devices, bright lights, or other advertising media, the effect of which would be visible or audible from the exterior of the Premises.

(c)   Landlord shall install, at Tenant’s written request and at Tenant’s sole expense, one (1) sign adjacent to the main entrance of the Premises identifying Tenant. The exact location, design and materials of such sign shall be subject to Landlord’s interior signage guidelines, as well as Landlord’s written approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
 
17.   RIGHTS OF LANDLORD .

(a)   Landlord reserves the following rights:

(i)   to change the name or street address of the Building with thirty (30) days prior notice to Tenant;

(ii)   to approve the design, location, number, size and color of all signs or lettering on the Premises or visible from the exterior of the Premises, provided, however, that Landlord shall provide a single listing of Tenant’s name in the Building directory, if any, and the initial Building standard suite identification signage near Tenant’s suite entry door at no charge to Tenant;

(iii)   to have pass keys and/or access cards to the Premises and key codes or cards for the telephone access system installed by Tenant;

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(iv)   to grant to anyone the exclusive right to conduct any particular business or undertaking in the Building provided such exclusive right shall not conflict with Tenant’s then permitted use of the Premises;

(v)   to enter the Premises at any reasonable time for inspection upon reasonable prior notice to Tenant (which notice may be oral), or at any time, without prior notice, in the event of any emergency; to supply any service to be provided by Landlord hereunder; to submit the Premises to prospective purchasers or tenants; to post notices of non-responsibility; to affix and display “For Rent” signs; and to make repairs, alterations, additions or improvements to the Premises or the Building; and

(vi)   to approve the design, location, number, size and color of all signs located on the exterior of the Building.

(b)   Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 17(a), above, at any time during the Term of this Lease, Landlord shall have the right to remove, alter, improve, renovate or rebuild the Common Areas of the Building (including, but not limited to, the lobby, hallways and corridors thereof), and to install, repair, replace, alter, improve or rebuild in the Premises, other tenants’ premises and/or the Common Areas of the Building (including the lobby, hallways and corridors thereof), any mechanical, electrical, water, sprinkler, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and ventilating systems, at any time during the Term, provided such actions shall not permanently and materially impair Tenant’s access to the Premises. In connection with making any such installations, repairs, replacements, alterations, additions and improvements under the terms of this Section 17, Landlord shall have the right to access through the Premises as well as the right to take into and upon and through the Premises or any other part of the Building, all materials that may be required to make any such repairs, replacements, alterations, additions or improvements, as well as the right in the course of such work to close entrances, doors, corridors, elevators or other facilities located in the Building or temporarily to cease the operations of any services or facilities therein or to take portion(s) of the Premises reasonably necessary in connection with such work, without being deemed or held guilty of an eviction of Tenant; provided, however that Landlord agrees to use all reasonable efforts not to interfere with or interrupt Tenant’s business operation in the Premises. Landlord shall have the right to install, use and maintain pipes and conduits in and through the Premises, including, without limitation, telephone and computer installations, provided that they do not permanently materially adversely affect Tenant’s access to or use of the Premises.

(c)   Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any expense, injury, loss or damage resulting from Landlord’s exercise of any rights in accordance with this Section 17 (except with regard to claims, loss or damages relating to injury to person or property arising from Landlord’s negligence), all claims against Landlord for any and all such liability being hereby expressly released by Tenant. Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for damages by reason of interference with the business of Tenant or inconvenience or annoyance to Tenant or the customers of Tenant. The Rent reserved herein shall not abate while the Landlord’s rights under this Section 17 are exercised, and Tenant shall not be entitled to any set-off or counterclaims for damages of any kind against Landlord by reason thereof, all such claims being hereby expressly released by Tenant.

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(d)   Landlord shall have the right to use any and all means which Landlord may deem proper to open all of the doors in, upon and about the Premises, excluding Tenant’s vaults and safes, in any emergency in order to obtain entry to the Premises. Any entry to the Premises obtained by Landlord by any of said means shall not be construed or deemed to be a forcible or unlawful entry into, or a detainer of, the Premises, or an eviction of Tenant from the Premises or any portion thereof.

(e)   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 17, at no time shall any agent or representative of Landlord which in the ordinary course of business performs real estate management or brokerage services be permitted to have access to the Premises without prior notice to Tenant and without a representative of Tenant present during such access.

18.   INTENTIONALLY OMITTED .

19.   EMINENT DOMAIN .

If any substantial portion of the Premises is taken under the power of eminent domain (including any conveyance made in lieu thereof) or if such taking shall materially impair the normal operation of Tenant’s business, then either party shall have the right to terminate this Lease by giving written notice of such termination within thirty (30) days after such taking. If neither party elects to terminate this Lease, Landlord shall repair and restore the Premises to the best possible tenantable condition (but only to the extent of any condemnation proceeds made available to Landlord) and the Annual Rental shall be proportionately and equitably reduced as of the date of the taking. All compensation awarded for any taking (or the proceeds of a private sale in lieu thereof) shall be the property of Landlord whether such award is for compensation for damages to the Landlord’s or Tenant’s interest in the Premises, and Tenant hereby assigns all of its interest in any such award to Landlord; provided, however, Landlord shall not have any interest in any separate award made to Tenant for loss of business, moving expense or the taking of Tenant’s trade fixtures or equipment if a separate award for such items is made to Tenant and such separate award does not reduce the award to Landlord. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Tenant be entitled to any compensation or award for the loss of its leasehold estate, if such compensation or award would reduce the award to which Landlord would otherwise be entitled.
 
20.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES .
 
(a)   Upon the occurrence of any one or more of the following events (the “Events of Default,” any one an “Event of Default”), Landlord shall have the right to exercise any rights or remedies available in this Lease, at law or in equity. Events of Default shall include:

(i)   Tenant’s failure to pay any rental or other sum of money payable hereunder within five (5) days after delivery of written notice by Landlord (provided that with respect to the second (2 nd ) and each subsequent failure by Tenant, during any twenty-four (24) month period during the Term, to pay any installment of Minimum Rental by the fifth (5 th ) day of the calendar month in which such installment is due shall, without any notice by Landlord, constitute an Event of Default hereunder);

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(ii)   Tenant’s conveyance, assignment, sublease or mortgage of the Premises (or any part thereof) or the Lease, without the prior written consent of Landlord;

(iii)   Tenant’s failure to maintain the insurance coverage required by Section 9, above;

(iv)   Tenant having become bankrupt or insolvent, or having filed any debtor proceedings, or filed pursuant to any statute a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for reorganization, or filed a petition for the appointment of a receiver or trustee for all or substantially all of Tenant’s assets and such petition or appointment shall not have been set aside within sixty (60) days from the date of such petition or appointment, or if Tenant makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or petitions for or enters into an arrangement; or

(v)   Tenant’s failure to perform any other of the terms, covenants or conditions contained in this Lease if not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice thereof, or if such default cannot be remedied within such period, Tenant does not within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof commence such act or acts as shall be necessary to remedy the default and shall not thereafter diligently prosecute such cure and complete such act or acts within a reasonable time period after the expiration of such thirty (30) day period, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, however.

(b)   In addition to its other remedies, Landlord, upon an Event of Default by Tenant, shall have the immediate right, after any applicable grace period expressed herein, to terminate and cancel this Lease and/or terminate Tenant’s right of possession and reenter and remove all persons and properties from the Premises and dispose of such property as it deems fit, all without being guilty of trespass or being liable for any damages caused thereby. If Landlord reenters the Premises, it may either terminate this Lease or, from time to time without terminating this Lease, terminate Tenant’s right of possession and make such alterations and repairs as may be necessary or appropriate to relet the Premises and relet the Premises upon such terms and conditions as Landlord deems advisable. In the event Landlord relets all or any portion of the Premises, all rents collected by Landlord shall reduce Tenant’s obligations hereunder. No retaking of possession of the Premises by Landlord shall be deemed as an election to terminate this Lease unless a written notice of such intention is given by Landlord to Tenant at the time of reentry; but, notwithstanding any such reentry or reletting without termination, Landlord may at any time thereafter elect to terminate for such previous default. In the event of an elected termination by Landlord, whether before or after reentry, Landlord may recover from Tenant damages, including the costs of recovering the Premises and any costs incurred in reletting the Premises, and Tenant shall remain liable to Landlord for the total Annual Rental (which may at Landlord’s election be accelerated to be due and payable in full as of the Event of Default and recoverable as damages in a lump sum) as would have been payable by Tenant hereunder for the remainder of the term less the rentals actually received from any reletting or, at Landlord’s election, less the reasonable rental value of the Premises for the remainder of the term. In determining the Annual Rental which would be payable by Tenant subsequent to default, except with respect to Minimum Rental (which shall be calculated in accordance with Section 1(g) hereof), the Annual Rental for each Lease Year of the unexpired term shall be equal to the Annual Rental payable by Tenant for the last Lease Year prior to the default. If any rent owing under this Lease is collected by or through an attorney, Tenant agrees to pay Landlord’s reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred.

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21.   SUBORDINATION .

This Lease is subject and subordinate to any and all mortgages or deeds of trust which now exist or may hereafter be executed affecting the Building or the Land, and this clause shall be self-operative without any further instrument necessary to effect such subordination; however, if requested by Landlord, Tenant shall promptly execute and deliver to Landlord any such certificate(s) in such form as Landlord may reasonably request evidencing the subordination of this Lease to, or the assignment of this Lease as additional security for, such mortgages or deeds of trust. If, at any time, or from time to time during the Term, any mortgagee shall request that this Lease have priority over the lien of such mortgage, and if Landlord consents thereto, this Lease shall have priority over the lien of such mortgage and all renewals, modifications, replacements, consolidations and extensions thereof and all advances made thereunder and interest thereon, and Tenant shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of a request therefor from Landlord, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all documents and instruments confirming the priority of this Lease. In any event, however, if this Lease shall have priority over the lien of a first mortgage, this Lease shall not become subject or subordinate to the lien of any subordinate mortgage, and Tenant shall not execute any subordination documents or instruments for any subordinate mortgagee, without the written consent of the first mortgagee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at Tenant’s request, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to obtain from any current or future mortgagee a subordination non-disturbance and attornment agreement (“SNDA”) for Tenant’s benefit on such mortgagee’s standard form of SNDA; provided, that Tenant shall pay for (or reimburse Landlord for) all reasonable costs incurred in such endeavor (including without limitation the attorneys’ fees incurred by Landlord), whether or not Landlord is ultimately able to obtain such SNDA.

22.   ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING .

(a)   Tenant shall not assign, sublet, mortgage, pledge or encumber this Lease, the Premises, or any interest in the whole or in any portion thereof, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. In the event of any assignment, sublease, mortgage, pledge or encumbrance, Tenant shall: (i) remain primarily liable for the performance of all terms of this Lease, (ii) pay Landlord’s reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such sublease or assignment, and (iii) pay to Landlord fifty percent (50%) of any rental or any fees or charges received by Tenant in excess of the Annual Rental payable to Landlord hereunder as further rental under this Lease (after deducting therefrom all reasonable costs incurred by Tenant in procuring such assignee or subtenant and/or undertaking improvements in or to the Premises, and all other reasonable expenses associated with such assignment or sublease). Landlord’s consent to one assignment or sublease will not waive the requirement of its consent to any subsequent assignment or sublease as required herein. Any attempted assignment or sublease by Tenant in violation of the terms and conditions of this Section 22 shall be null and void. Upon notice to Landlord of a proposed sublease or assignment of all or any portion of the Premises (the “Proposed Space”), Landlord shall have the option, within fifteen (15) days after its receipt of such notice, to terminate this Lease with respect to the Proposed Space, whereupon the parties hereto shall have no further rights or liabilities with respect to the Proposed Space except as otherwise expressly set forth herein.
 
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(b)   In the event of a proposed assignment of this Lease or subletting of all or a part of the Premises, Tenant shall submit to Landlord, in writing, (i) the name of the proposed assignee or sublessee, (ii) current financial statements available to Tenant disclosing the financial condition of the proposed assignee or subtenant, (iii) the nature of the business of the proposed assignee or sublessee, and its proposed use of the Premises (any assignment or subletting being subject to restrictions on use contained in this Lease, the violation of which by the proposed assignee or sublessee shall constitute absolute grounds for Landlord’s denial of the requested assignment or subletting, such grounds not being the exclusive grounds for denial under clause (iii)) and (iv) the proposed commencement date of the assignment or subletting, together with a copy of the proposed assignment or sublease. Within thirty (30) days after its receipt of such notice, Landlord shall either approve or disapprove such proposed assignment or sublease in writing. Tenant shall promptly deliver a copy of the fully executed assignment or sublease to Landlord upon its receipt of same.

(c)   Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, Tenant further agrees that any assignment or sublease shall be subject to the following additional limitations: (i) for so long as Tenant, or any affiliate of Tenant, is Landlord’s leasing agent with respect to the Building, in no event may Tenant assign this Lease or sublet all or any portion of the Premises to an existing Tenant of the Building or its subtenant or assignee (unless Landlord consents to such assignment or sublease); (ii) for so long as Tenant, or any affiliate of Tenant, is Landlord’s leasing agent with respect to the Building, in no event shall the proposed subtenant or assignee be a person or entity with whom Landlord or its agent is negotiating and to or from whom Landlord, or its agent, has given or received any written or oral proposal within the past six (6) months regarding a lease of space in the Building; and (iii) Tenant shall not publicly advertise the rate for which Tenant is willing to sublet the Premises if such rate is below then-market rates; and all public advertisements of the assignment of the Lease or sublet of the Premises, or any portion thereof, shall be subject to prior written approval by Landlord, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Said public advertisement shall include, but not be limited to, the placement or display of any signs or lettering on the exterior of the Premises or on the glass or any window or door of the Premises or in the interior of the Premises if it is visible from the exterior.

(d)   All proposed subleases and assignments shall be on a form, and contain terms and provisions, reasonably acceptable to Landlord; and shall contain, inter alia , the following provisions: (i) any such assignment or sublease shall include an assumption by the assignee or subtenant, from and after the effective date of such assignment or sublease, of the performance and observance of the covenants and conditions to be performed and observed on the part of Tenant as contained in this Lease, and (ii) any such sublease or assignment shall specify that the term of such sublease shall not extend beyond one (1) day prior to the expiration of this Lease. The consent by Landlord to any assignment, transfer or subletting to any person or entity shall not be construed as a waiver or release of Tenant from any provision of this Lease, unless expressly agreed to in writing by Landlord (it being understood that Tenant shall remain primarily liable as a principal and not as a guarantor or surety), nor shall the collection or acceptance of rent from any such assignee, transferee, subtenant or occupant constitute a waiver or release of Tenant from any such provision. No consent by Landlord to any such assignment, transfer or subletting in any one instance shall constitute a waiver of the necessity for such consent in a subsequent instance.
 
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(e)   For purposes of this Section 22, a transfer, conveyance, grant or pledge, directly or indirectly, in one or more transactions, of an interest in Tenant (whether stock, partnership interest or other form of ownership or control, or the issuance of new interests) by which an aggregate of more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial interest in Tenant shall be vested in a party or parties who are not holders of such interest(s) as of the date hereof) shall be deemed an assignment of this Lease; provided, however, that this limitation shall not apply to any corporation, all of the outstanding voting stock of which is listed on a national securities exchange as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The merger or consolidation of Tenant into or with any other entity, the sale of all or substantially all of Tenant’s assets, or the dissolution of Tenant shall each be deemed to be an assignment within the meaning of this Section 22.

(f)   Notwithstanding any consent by Landlord to an assignment or subletting, Tenant shall remain primarily liable for the performance of all covenants and obligations contained in this Lease. Each approved assignee or subtenant shall also automatically become liable for the obligations of Tenant hereunder. Landlord shall be permitted to enforce the provisions of this Lease directly against Tenant and/or against any assignee or sublessee without proceeding in any way against any other person. Collection or acceptance of Minimum Rental or Additional Rental from any such assignee, subtenant or occupant shall not constitute a waiver or release of Tenant from the terms of any covenant or obligation contained in this Lease, nor shall such collection or acceptance in any way be construed to relieve Tenant from obtaining the prior written consent of Landlord to such assignment or subletting or any subsequent assignment or subletting.

(g)   Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the consent requirement set forth in Section 22(a), above, shall not be applicable to any assignment of this Lease or subletting of the Premises to an Affiliate (hereinafter defined) of Tenant; provided, however, that in each instance, Tenant shall give Landlord at least ten (10) business days prior written notice of any proposed sublease or assignment to an Affiliate, which notice shall contain information and documentation reasonably acceptable to Landlord evidencing that the proposed assignee or subtenant is an Affiliate, and (ii) a copy of the proposed assignment or sublease document. As used herein, the term “Affiliate” shall refer to a person or entity that directly or indirectly (through one or more intermediaries) controls (hereinafter defined), is controlled by, or is under common control with Tenant. “Control” as used herein shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the entity in question, whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract. Notwithstanding any assignment of this Lease or any subletting of all or any portion of the Premises to an Affiliate of Tenant, Landlord shall, at its sole option be permitted to enforce the provisions of this Lease directly against Tenant without proceeding in any way against such Affiliate.
 
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23.   LANDLORD DEFAULT .
 
In the event of any default by Landlord under this Lease, Tenant will give Landlord written notice specifying such default with particularity, and Landlord shall thereupon have thirty (30) days (or such longer period as may be required in the exercise of due diligence) in which to cure any such default. Unless and until Landlord fails to so cure any default after such notice, Tenant shall not have any remedy or cause of action by reason thereof. All obligations of Landlord hereunder will be construed as covenants, not conditions. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Lease to the contrary, Tenant shall look solely to Landlord’s equity in the Building, and not to any other or separate business or non-business assets of Landlord, or any partner, shareholder, officers or representative of Landlord, for the satisfaction of any claim brought by Tenant against Landlord, and if Landlord shall fail to perform any covenant, term or condition of this Lease upon Landlord’s part to be performed, and as a consequence of such default, Tenant shall recover a money judgment against Landlord, such judgment shall be satisfied only: (i) out of the proceeds of sale received upon levy against Landlord’s equity in the Building, and /or (ii) to the extent not encumbered by a secured creditor, out of the rents or other incomes receivable by Landlord from the Building from and after the date of such judgment. Further, in the event the owner of Landlord’s interest in this Lease is at any time a partnership, joint venture or unincorporated association, Tenant agrees that the members or partners of such partnership, joint venture or unincorporated association shall not be personally or individually liable or responsible for the performance of any of Landlord’s obligations hereunder. With respect to any provisions of this Lease which provides that Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold or delay any consent or approval, Tenant shall not have, and Tenant hereby waives, any claim for money damages; nor shall Tenant claim any money damages by way of setoff, counterclaim or defense, based upon any allegation of unreasonableness by Landlord. Tenant’s sole remedy shall be an action or proceeding to enforce any such provisions, or for specific performance, injunction or declaratory judgment.

24.   TRANSFER OF LANDLORD’S INTEREST .

If Landlord shall sell, assign or transfer its interest in the Building or in this Lease to a successor in interest which expressly assumes the obligations of Landlord hereunder and shall transfer any to such transferee any Security Deposit held by Landlord at the time of sale, then Landlord shall thereupon be released or discharged from all covenants and obligations hereunder, and Tenant shall look solely to such successor in interest for performance of all of Landlord’s obligations and such successor shall be obligated to perform all of Landlord’s obligations under this Lease which accrue after the date of such transfer. Tenant’s obligations under this Lease shall in no manner be affected by Landlord’s sale, assignment, or transfer of all or any part of such interest(s) of Landlord, and Tenant shall thereafter attorn and look solely to such successor in interest as the Landlord hereunder.
 
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25.   COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT .

Landlord represents that it has full right and authority to lease the Premises and Tenant shall peacefully and quietly hold and enjoy the Premises for the full Term hereof so long as no Event of Default occurs hereunder.

26.   ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES .

Within ten (10) days after a request by Landlord, Tenant shall deliver a written estoppel certificate, in form supplied by or reasonably acceptable to Landlord, certifying that (i) this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or if there have been modifications, that the same is in full force and effect as modified and stating the modifications); (ii) the Term of the Lease has commenced and the full rental is now accruing hereunder; (iii) Tenant has accepted possession of the Premises and is presently occupying the same; (iv) all improvements required by the terms of the Lease to be made by Landlord have been completed and all tenant improvement allowances have been paid in full; (v) there are no offsets, counterclaims, abatements or defenses against or with respect to the payment of any rent or other charges due under the Lease; (vi) no rent under the Lease has been paid more than thirty (30) days in advance of its due date; (vii) to the best of the knowledge of the Tenant, Landlord is not in default in the performance of any covenant, agreement, provision or condition contained in the Lease or, if so, specifying each such default of which Tenant may have knowledge; (viii) the address for notices to be sent to Tenant; (ix) the only security deposit, if any, tendered by Tenant is as set forth in the Lease, and such security deposit has been paid to Landlord; and (x) any other information reasonably requested by Landlord or any mortgagee or ground lessor of the Building and/or the Land it being intended that any such statement delivered pursuant hereto may be relied upon by any prospective purchaser or lessee of the Building or any part thereof, any mortgagee or prospective mortgagee thereof, any prospective assignee of any mortgage thereof, any ground lessor or prospective ground lessor of the Land and/or the Building, or any prospective assignee of any such ground lease. Within thirty (30) days after a request by Tenant, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a similar estoppel certificate covering such matters as are reasonably required by Tenant.

27.   PROTECTION AGAINST LIENS .

Tenant shall do all things necessary to prevent the filing of any mechanics’, materialmen’s or other types of liens whatsoever, against all or any part of the Premises by reason of any claims made by, against, through or under Tenant. If any such lien is filed against the Premises, Tenant shall either cause the same to be discharged of record within twenty (20) days after filing or, if Tenant in its discretion and in good faith determines that such lien should be contested, it shall furnish such security as may be necessary to prevent any foreclosure proceedings against the Premises during the pendency of such contest. If Tenant shall fail to discharge such lien within said time period or fail to furnish such security, then Landlord may at its election, in addition to any other right or remedy available to it, discharge the lien by paying the amount claimed to be due or by procuring the discharge by giving security or in such other manner as may be allowed by law. If Landlord acts to discharge or secure the lien then Tenant shall immediately reimburse Landlord for all sums paid and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by Landlord involving such lien together with interest on the total expenses and costs at an interest rate equal to the Prime Rate plus five percent (5%).
 
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28.   MEMORANDUM OF LEASE .

If requested by Tenant, Landlord shall execute a recordable Memorandum or Short Form Lease, prepared at Tenant’s expense, specifying the exact term of this Lease and such other terms as the parries shall mutually determine.
 
29.   FORCE MAJEURE .

In the event Landlord or Tenant shall be delayed, hindered or prevented from the performance of any act required hereunder, by reason of governmental restrictions, scarcity of labor or materials, strikes, fire, or any other reasons beyond its reasonable control (“Force Majeure”), the performance of such act shall be excused for the period of delay, and the period for performance of any such act shall be extended as necessary to complete performance after the delay period. However, the provisions of this Section shall in no way be applicable to Tenant’s obligations to pay Minimum Rental or any other sums, monies, costs, charges or expenses required by this Lease.

30.   REMEDIES CUMULATIVE - NONWAIVER .

Unless otherwise specified in this Lease, no remedy of Landlord or Tenant shall be considered exclusive of any other remedy, but each shall be distinct, separate and cumulative with other available remedies. Each remedy available under this Lease or at law or in equity may be exercised by Landlord or Tenant from time to time as often as the need may arise. No course of dealing between Landlord and Tenant or any delay or omission of Landlord or Tenant in exercising any right arising from the other party’s default shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of a default.

31.   HOLDING OVER .

If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises or any part thereof after the expiration of the Term, whether with or without Landlord’s acquiescence, Tenant shall be deemed only a tenant at will and there shall be no renewal of this Lease without a written agreement signed by both parties specifying such renewal. The “monthly” rental payable by Tenant during the first month of such tenancy at will shall be one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the monthly installment of Annual Rent payable during the final Lease Year immediately preceding such expiration. For each month (or portion thereof) thereafter any such tenancy at will shall be one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the monthly installments of Annual Rental payable during the final Lease Year immediately preceding such expiration. Tenant shall also remain liable for any and all damages, direct and consequential, suffered by Landlord as a result of any holdover without Landlord’s unequivocal written acquiescence.

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32.   NOTICES .

Any notice allowed or required by this Lease shall be deemed to have been sufficiently served if the same shall be in writing and placed in the United States mail, via certified mail, return receipt requested, with proper postage prepaid or delivered by a nationally recognized overnight courier and addressed to the appropriate party at the address set forth in Section l(j) hereof. Notice shall be deemed given: (a) in the case of certified mail, three (3) business days after tendering same to the post office, or (b) in the case of overnight delivery, one (1) business day after tendering same to national courier service.

The addresses of Landlord and Tenant and the party, if any, to whose attention a notice or copy of same shall be directed may be changed or added from time to time by either party giving notice to the other in the prescribed manner.
 
33.   LEASING COMMISSION .

Landlord and Tenant represent and warrant each to the other that they have not dealt with any broker(s) or any other person claiming any entitlement to any commission in connection with this transaction except the brokers set forth in Section 1(1) hereof (the “Brokers”). Tenant agrees to indemnify and save Landlord and Landlord’s Agent harmless from and against any and all claims, suits, liabilities, costs, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, for any leasing commissions or other commissions, fees, charges or payments resulting from or arising out of its respective actions in connection with this Lease. Landlord agrees to indemnify and save Tenant harmless from and against any and all claims, suits, liabilities, costs, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, for any leasing commissions or other commissions, fees, charges or payments resulting from or arising out of its actions in connection with this Lease. Landlord agrees to be responsible for the leasing commission due Brokers pursuant to separate written agreements between Landlord and Brokers, and to hold Tenant harmless respecting same.

34.   SEVERABILITY.

If any term or provision of this Lease or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Lease, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Lease shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law notwithstanding the invalidity of any other term or provision hereof.

35.   REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS.

If, following the execution of this Lease, either party hereto requests that the other party execute any document or instrument that is other than (i) a document or instrument the form of which is attached hereto as an exhibit, or (if) a document that solely sets forth facts or circumstances that are then existing and reasonably ascertainable by the requested party with respect to the Lease, then the party making such request shall be responsible for paying the out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including without limitation, the attorneys’ fees, incurred by the requested party in connection with the review (and, if applicable, the negotiations) related to such document(s) or instrument(s), regardless of whether such document(s) or instrument(s) is (are) ever executed by the requested party. In the event the requesting party is Tenant, all such costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with its review and negotiation of any such document(s) or instrument(s) shall be deemed to be Additional Rental due hereunder and shall be payable by Tenant promptly upon demand.
 
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36.   PAYMENT OF TENANT’S OBLIGATIONS BY LANDLORD AND UNPAID RENT .

All covenants and agreements to be performed by Tenant under any of the terms of this Lease shall be performed by Tenant at Tenant’s sole cost and expense. If Tenant shall fail to pay any sum of money, other than Rent, required to be paid by it hereunder or shall fail to perform any other act on its part to be performed hereunder, and such failure shall continue beyond any applicable grace period set forth in this Lease, Landlord may, without waiving or releasing Tenant from any of its obligations hereunder, make any such payment or perform any such other required act on Tenant’s part, provided that Landlord shall first give Tenant five (5) days prior written notice of Landlord’s intention to exercise its rights to any such remedy. All sums so paid by Landlord, and all necessary incidental costs, together with interest thereon at four percentage points (4%) over the Prime Rate then in effect, from the date of such payment by Landlord, shall be payable by Tenant to Landlord as Additional Rental hereunder, on demand, and Tenant covenants and agrees to pay any such sums. Landlord shall have (in addition to any other right or remedy of Landlord hereunder or at law) the same rights and remedies in the event of the nonpayment thereof by Tenant as in the case of default by Tenant in the payment of Additional Rental.

37.   ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS .

(a)   Except as expressly permitted in Section 6(b), above, but subject to the terms and conditions of that section, Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors or invitees shall not (i) cause or permit any Hazardous Materials (hereinafter defined) to be brought upon, stored, used or disposed on, in or about the Premises and/or the Building, or (ii) knowingly permit the release, discharge, spill or emission of any Hazardous Material in or from the Premises.

(b)   Tenant hereby agrees that it is and shall be fully responsible for all costs, expenses, damages or liabilities (including, but not limited to those incurred by Landlord and/or its mortgagee) which may occur from the use, storage, disposal, release, spill, discharge or emissions of Hazardous Materials in or about the Premises, the Building or the Land by Tenant whether or not the same may be permitted by this Lease. Tenant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Landlord, its mortgagee and its agents from and against any claims, demands, administrative orders, judicial orders, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs or expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney and consultant fees, court costs and litigation expenses) of whatever kind or nature, known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, arising out of or in any way related to the use, storage, disposal, release, discharge, spill or emission of any Hazardous Material, or the violation of any Environmental Laws (hereinafter defined), by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors or invitees. The provisions of this Section 37 shall be in addition to any other obligations and liabilities Tenant may have to Landlord at law or in equity and shall survive the transactions contemplated herein or any termination of this Lease.
 
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(c)   As used in this Lease, the term “Hazardous Materials” shall include, without limitation:

(i)   those substances included within the definitions of “hazardous substances”, “hazardous materials,” toxic substances,” or “solid waste” in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. §9601 et seq .) (“CERCLA”), as amended by Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (“SARA”), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (“RCRA”), and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and in the regulations promulgated pursuant to said laws, all as amended;

(ii)   those substances listed in the United States Department of Transportation Table (49 CFR 172.101 and amendments thereto) or by the Environmental Protection Agency (of any successor agency) as hazardous substances (40 CFR Part 302 and amendments thereto); and

(iii)   any material, waste or substance which is (A) petroleum, (B) asbestos, (C) polychlorinated biphenyl, (D) designated as a “hazardous substance” pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq . (33 U.S.C. §1321) or listed pursuant to Section of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1317); (E) flammables or explosives; or (F) radioactive materials.
 
(d)   All federal, state or local laws, statutes, regulations, rules, ordinances, codes, standards, orders, licenses and permits of any governmental authority or issued or promulgated thereunder shall be referred to as the “Environmental Laws”.

(e)   Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that to the best of Landlord’s actual knowledge (without investigation or inquiry), as of the date hereof Landlord has not received any notice from any governmental authority of the violation of any Environmental Laws regarding the presence of Hazardous Materials in, on, under or about the Premises, Building or Land, the violation of which would have a material adverse affect on Tenant’s use of the Premises or expose Tenant to any unreasonable health or safety risk.

38.   USA PATRIOT ACT AND ANTI-TERRORISM LAWS .

(a)   Tenant represents and warrants to, and covenants with, Landlord that neither Tenant nor any of its respective constituent owners or affiliates currently are, or shall be at any time during the Term hereof, in violation of any laws relating to terrorism or money laundering (collectively, the “Anti-Terrorism Laws”), including without limitation Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financing, effective September 24, 2001 and relating to Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism (the “Executive Order”) and/or the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-56) (the “USA Patriot Act”).
 
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(b)   Tenant covenants with Landlord that neither Tenant nor any of its respective constituent owners or affiliates is or shall be during the Term hereof a “Prohibited Person,” which is defined as follows: (i) a person or entity that is listed in the Annex to, or is otherwise subject to, the provisions of the Executive Order; (ii) a person or entity owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any person or entity that is listed in the Annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, the Executive Order; (iii) a person or entity with whom Landlord is prohibited from dealing with or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law, including without limitation the Executive Order and the USA Patriot Act; (iv) a person or entity who commits, threatens or conspires to commit or support “terrorism” as defined in Section 3(d) of the Executive Order; (v) a person or entity that is named as a “specially designated national and blocked person” on the then-most current list published by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control at its official website, http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/t11sdn.pdf , or at any replacement website or other replacement official publication of such list; and (vi) a person or entity who is affiliated with a person or entity listed in items (i) through (v), above.

(c)   At any time and from time-to-time during the Term, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord, within ten (10) days after receipt of a written request therefor, a written certification or such other evidence reasonably acceptable to Landlord evidencing and confirming Tenant’s compliance with this Section 38.

39.   RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER .

(a)   Subject to (i) any expansion rights, renewal rights, rights of first offer or refusal or other rights possessed by any tenant in the Building with respect to the ROFO Space (hereinafter defined) or any portion thereof existing as of the Effective Date, (ii) any renewal rights granted by Landlord after the Effective Date to any tenant of all or any portion of the ROFO Space, and (iii) the right of any tenant of the ROFO Space (or any portion thereof) to negotiate an extension of the term of its lease of such space or a new lease demising such space, Tenant shall be granted during the initial Term the following rights with respect to the ROFO Space. As used herein, the term “ROFO Space” shall mean the space on the third (3 rd ) floor of the Building which is contiguous to the Premises, as shown on the attached Exhibit A-l . Notwithstanding any provision of the Lease to the contrary, Tenant shall have no rights with respect to the ROFO Space or any other rights of first offer or refusal, or first right to negotiate, or any other expansion rights whatsoever, except as expressly provided in this Section 39.
 
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(b)   In the event that any ROFO Space which is currently leased to third parties becomes or is reasonably anticipated by Landlord to become vacant during the Term hereof, then, except as provided below, Landlord shall notify Tenant in writing (the “Availability Notice”) of the availability of the ROFO Space in question (the “Available Space”) and set forth in such Availability Notice (i) the terms and conditions pursuant to which Landlord would lease all (but not less than all) of the Available Space to Tenant; and (ii) the date on which such Available Space is anticipated by Landlord to be available for lease by Tenant (the “Availability Date”). Provided that (A) no Event of Default then exists under the Lease; (B) Tenant has not assigned the Lease, or sublet more than twenty percent (20%) of the Premises; (C) not less than forty-eight (48) months will remain in the Term as of the Availability Date (provided, however, Landlord shall notify Tenant of the availability of such space, even though Tenant is not necessarily entitled to lease same pursuant to this Section 39, if less than 48 months, but not less than eighteen (18) months, then remain in the Term); and (D) Tenant notifies Landlord, in writing, within ten (10) business days after Tenant’s receipt of the Availability Notice, time being of the essence, of Tenant’s election to lease all (but not less than all) of the Available Space in question (the “Tenant Election Notice”), Tenant shall have the right to lease the Available Space described in the Availability Notice on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. The term of the demise in respect of the Available Space to be leased by Tenant pursuant to this Section 39 shall (1) commence on the date on which Landlord delivers such space to Tenant, at which time Tenant’s obligation to pay Minimum Rental with respect to such space shall commence, and (2) be coterminous with the Term hereof. In the event that all of the conditions set forth in (A) through (D), above, are satisfied except that less than forty-eight (48) months (but not less than eighteen (18) months) remain in the Term as of the Availability Date, and provided that (1) Tenant notifies Landlord in writing (the “Short Term ROFO Extension Notice”), within ten (10) business days of receipt of the Availability Notice, that Tenant will agree to extend the Term so that at least forty-eight (48) months will remain in the Term as of the Availability Date, and (2) within five (5) days after Landlord’s receipt from Tenant of the Short Term ROFO Extension Notice, the parties agree in writing to the economic terms and conditions pursuant to which Landlord shall lease the Premises to Tenant during such extension period, then Tenant shall have the right to lease the Available Space described in the Availability Notice on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

(c)   In the event that Tenant timely delivers a Tenant Election Notice to Landlord, Landlord and Tenant shall negotiate in good faith for a period of ten (10) days after Landlord’s receipt of the Tenant Election Notice in order to execute and deliver an amendment to this Lease incorporating the Available Space, which amendment shall set forth, among other things: (i) the amount of Minimum Rental and the Additional Rental attributable to the Available Space; (ii) the adjustment to Tenant’s Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses resulting from the demise of the Available Space hereunder; (iii) the increase in the Security Deposit, if any, resulting from the leasing by Tenant of the Available Space; and (iv) the amount of the improvement allowance, if any, which Landlord shall provide to Tenant. In the event that the parties do not execute the lease amendment within such ten (10) day period, time being of the essence, then Tenant’s right of first offer to lease the Available Space shall be null and void and of no further force or effect and Landlord may lease the Available Space to any person or entity of its choice on whatever terms and conditions Landlord elects in its sole discretion.

(d)   In the event Landlord and Tenant execute an amendment to this Lease pursuant to which Tenant leases the Available Space from Landlord, and Landlord is unable to deliver possession of such space to Tenant on the Availability Date for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation the failure of an existing tenant to vacate such space, Landlord shall not be liable or responsible for any claims, damages or liabilities in connection therewith or by reason thereof. In such event, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to make such space available to Tenant as soon as reasonably practicable after the Availability Date.
 
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40.   TENANT TERMINATION RIGHT .

(a)   Tenant shall have a one (l)-time right to terminate the Lease, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 40. In the event that Tenant is not the Building’s leasing agent on the last day of the thirty-fifth (35 th ) full calendar month of the Term (unless Tenant was terminated by Landlord for “cause”, in which event Tenant shall not have the right to terminate this Lease pursuant to the terms of this Section 40), and provided Tenant is not in default of its obligations hereunder, either at the time it delivers the Termination Notice (hereinafter defined) to Landlord or at any time between such date and the Termination Date (hereinafter defined), Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease by delivering to Landlord an irrevocable written notice of termination (the ‘Termination Notice”) on or before the last day of the thirty-sixth (36 th ) full calendar month of the Term, time being of the essence, and if Tenant timely delivers the Termination Notice to Landlord, this Lease shall terminate as of the last day of the forty-fifth (45 th ) full calendar month of the Term (the ‘Termination Date”), provided that Tenant has fulfilled all of the conditions set forth in Section 40(b), below.

(b)   In order for the Termination Notice to be effective, the Termination Notice shall include a certified check payable to Landlord in an amount equal to the then-unamortized costs (as of the Termination Date) incurred by Landlord in leasing the Premises to Tenant (the “Leasing Costs”), including but not limited to all leasing commissions paid by Landlord in connection with the leasing of the Premises and the amount of the Improvement Allowance (“Termination Payment”). The amortization of the Leasing Costs shall be effected as though the total of such costs was the principal amount of a promissory note, bearing interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum, where the principal (and all interest thereon) shall be repaid during a five (5) year period commencing on the Rent Commencement Date in equal monthly installments of principal and interest in such amount as to cause the principal balance to be reduced to zero as of the last day of the Term. The Termination Payment shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the payments of Minimum Rental, Additional Rental and all other charges accruing under the Lease through the Termination Date. Time shall be of the essence with respect to delivery of the Termination Notice and the Termination Payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Tenant is in default under the Lease on the date on which Tenant delivers the Termination Notice or is in default under the Lease at any time between such date and the Termination Date, or if Tenant fails to deliver the Termination Payment at the time it delivers the Termination Notice to Landlord (time being of the essence), then, at Landlord’s sole option, the Termination Notice may be deemed by Landlord to be void and of no further force and effect and the Lease shall continue in full force and effect for balance of the Term, and Landlord, if the Termination Notice is deemed invalid, shall return the Termination Payment to Tenant.
 
(c)   If the Lease is terminated pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 40, then, as of the Termination Date, neither Landlord nor Tenant shall have any rights or obligations under the Lease and Landlord shall be free to lease the Premises to any persons or entities for a term beginning on the Termination Date; provided that Tenant shall vacate the Premises in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 6, above, on or before the Termination Date; and provided further, however, that Tenant shall remain obligated for any liabilities or obligations under the Lease (including without limitation the obligation to pay Minimum Rental, Additional Rental and all other amounts payable under the Lease) accruing prior to the Termination Date, which obligation shall survive indefinitely the termination of the Lease.
 
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(d)   Should Tenant fail to surrender the Premises to Landlord on or before the Termination Date, time being of the essence, then, at Landlord’s sole option: (i) Landlord shall be entitled to exercise all of the rights and remedies available to Landlord under the Lease upon the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder (and such other rights and remedies as may be available to Landlord at law or equity); (ii) Tenant shall be liable to Landlord as a hold-over tenant under the Lease and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 31, above; and (iii) if Tenant fails to surrender the Premises to Landlord within ten (10) days after notice by Landlord, the Termination Notice may be deemed void and of no further force or effect and the Lease shall continue in full force and effect, in which event Landlord shall return the Termination Payment to Tenant and all rights of Tenant under this Section 40 shall immediately lapse and be of no further force or effect. Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless Landlord from and against any and all costs, expenses, liabilities and damages (including attorneys’ fees) resulting from such holding over, including but not limited to any costs, expenses, liabilities or damages resulting from (A) Landlord’s failure to deliver the Premises to a prospective tenant; and (B) Landlord’s removal from the Premises of any of Tenant’s equipment, furniture or personal property in order to deliver possession of the Premises to a prospective tenant.

41.   OPTION TO EXTEND TERM .

(a)   Tenant shall have and is hereby granted the option to extend the Term hereof for one (1) additional period of five (5) years (the “Extension Period”), provided (i) Tenant gives written notice (the “Extension Notice”) to Landlord of Tenant’s irrevocable election to exercise such extension option between nine (9) and twelve (12) months prior to the expiration of the initial Term, time being of the essence, as determined by Landlord and Tenant during the Negotiation Period (hereinafter defined) or, if the parties fail to reach agreement during this period, by utilizing the “three broker method” described in Section 41(c), below; (ii) no Event of Default has occurred during the Term and no event exists at the time of the exercise of such option or arises subsequent thereto, which event by notice and/or the passage of time would constitute an Event of Default if not cured within the applicable cure period; and (iii) Tenant has not assigned its interest in this Lease or sublet more than twenty percent (20%) of the Premises.

(b)   All terms and conditions of the Lease, including without limitation all provisions governing the payment of Additional Rent and annual increases in Minimum Rental, shall remain in full force and effect during the Extension Period, except that (i) Minimum Rental (on a per rentable square foot basis) payable during the first year of the Extension Period shall equal the then-current Fair Market Rental Rate (hereinafter defined) at the time of the commencement of the Extension Period, as agreed upon by Landlord and Tenant during the Negotiation Period (hereinafter defined) or, if the parties fail to reach such agreement during the Negotiation Period, by utilizing the “three broker method” described in Section 41(c), below; (ii) Landlord shall provide a “market” improvement allowance, rental abatement and other tenant concessions then being provided by similar landlords with respect to comparable lease renewals; and (iii) the “Operating Expense Stop” to be used during the Extension Period shall be the amount of Operating Expenses incurred by Landlord during the calendar year in which occurs the first day of the Extension Period. As used in this Lease, the term “Fair Market Rental Rate” shall mean the fair market rental rate that would be agreed upon between a landlord and a tenant entering into a lease renewal for comparable space as to location, configuration, size and use, in a comparable building as to quality, reputation and age which is located in the Durham, North Carolina submarket, with a comparable build-out and a comparable term assuming the following: (A) the landlord and tenant are informed and well-advised and each is acting in what it considers its own best interests; (B) the landlord shall provide a “market” tenant improvement allowance, free rent period and other tenant concessions typically provided to tenants renewing leases of comparable space in comparable buildings for renewal terms comparable to the Extension Period; and (C) the Tenant will continue to pay its share of increases in Operating Expenses over the Operating Expense Stop as described above.
 
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(c)   Landlord and Tenant shall negotiate in good faith to determine the Minimum Rental for the Extension Period, for a period of thirty (30) days after the date on which Landlord receives the Extension Notice (the “Negotiation Period”). In the event Landlord and Tenant are unable to agree upon the Minimum Rental for the Extension Period within said thirty (30)-day period, the Fair Market Rental Rate for the Premises shall be determined by a board of three (3) licensed real estate brokers, one of whom shall be named by the Landlord, one of whom shall be named by Tenant, and the two so appointed shall select a third (the “Third Broker”). Each real estate broker so selected shall be licensed in the State of North Carolina as a real estate broker specializing in the field of office leasing in Raleigh/Durham area, having no fewer than ten (10) years experience in such field, and recognized as ethical and reputable within the field. Landlord and Tenant agree to make their appointments promptly within ten (10) days after the expiration of the thirty (30)-day period, or sooner if mutually agreed upon. The two (2) brokers selected by Landlord and Tenant shall select the Third Broker within ten (10) days after they both have been appointed, and all three (3) brokers shall, within fifteen (15) days after the Third Broker is selected, submit his or her determination of the Fair Market Rental Rate. The Third Broker shall determine which determination of Fair Market Rental Rate made by Landlord’s broker or Tenant’s broker is closest to the determination of Fair Market Rental Rate made by the Third Broker (the “Closest Determination”). The Fair Market Rental Rate hereunder shall be the mean of the Closest Determination and the determination of Fair Market Rental Value made by the Third Broker. Landlord and Tenant shall each pay the fee of the broker selected by it, and they shall equally share the payment of the fee of the Third Broker.

(d)   Should the Term of the Lease be extended hereunder, Tenant shall, if required by Landlord, execute an amendment modifying this Lease within ten (10) days after Landlord presents same to Tenant, which agreement shall set forth the Minimum Rental for the first year of the Extension Period and the other economic terms and provisions in effect during the Extension Period. Should Tenant fail to execute the amendment (which amendment accurately sets forth the economic terms and provisions in effect during the Extension Period) within ten (10) business days after presentation of same by Landlord, time being of the essence, Tenant’s right extend the Term of the Lease shall, at Landlord’s sole option, terminate, and Landlord shall be permitted to lease such space to any other person or entity upon whatever terms and conditions are acceptable to Landlord in its sole discretion.
 
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42.   MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)   Rules and Regulations .

Landlord shall have the right from time to time to prescribe reasonable rules and regulations (the “Rules and Regulations”) for Tenant’s use of the Premises and the Building. A copy of Landlord’s current Rules and Regulations respecting the Premises and the Building is attached hereto as Exhibit D . Tenant shall abide by and actively enforce on all Tenant’s Invitees such regulations including without limitation rules governing parking of vehicles in designated areas and during designated times.

(b)   Evidence of Authority .

If requested by Landlord, Tenant shall furnish appropriate legal documentation evidencing the valid existence and good standing of Tenant and the authority of any parties signing this Lease to act for Tenant.

(c)   Nature and Extent of Agreement .

This Lease, together with all exhibits hereto, contains the complete agreement of the parties concerning the subject matter, and there are no oral or written understandings, representations, or agreements pertaining thereto which have not been incorporated herein. This Lease creates only the relationship of landlord and tenant between the parties, and nothing herein shall impose upon either party any powers, obligations or restrictions not expressed herein. This Lease shall be construed and governed by the laws of the state in which the Premises are located.

(d)   Binding Effect .

This Lease shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and assigns. This Lease shall not be binding on Landlord until executed by an authorized signatory of Landlord and delivered to Tenant. No amendment or modification to this Lease shall be binding upon Landlord unless same is in writing and executed by an authorized signatory of Landlord.

(e)   Captions and Headings .

The captions and headings in this Lease are for convenience and reference only, and they shall in no way be held to explain, modify, or construe the meaning of the terms of this Lease.

(f)   Lease Review .

The submission of this Lease to Tenant for review does not constitute a reservation of or option for the Premises, and this Lease shall become effective as a contract only upon execution and delivery by Landlord and Tenant.
 
38


(g)   Prevailing Party .

If either Landlord or Tenant places in the hands of an attorney the enforcement of this Lease or any portion thereof, for the collection of any rent due or to become due hereunder, or recovery of the possession of the Premises, or files suit upon same, the non-prevailing (or defaulting) party shall pay the other party reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.
 
(h)   Intentionally Omitted .

(i)   Representations and Warranties .

The person or persons executing this Lease on behalf of Tenant represent, covenant and warrant to Landlord as of the date Tenant executes and delivers this Lease that: (i) Tenant is duly constituted, in good standing and qualified to do business in the State of North Carolina, (ii) Tenant has paid all corporate taxes (if applicable), (iii) Tenant will file when due all forms, reports, fees and other documents necessary to comply with applicable laws, and (iv) the signatories signing on behalf of Tenant have the requisite authority to bind Tenant pursuant to Tenant’s organizational documents (i.e. partnership agreement, operating agreement or bylaws) or a certified copy of a resolution from Tenant authorizing same.

(j)   Building Access .

There shall be open access to the Building during Standard Hours of Operation. At all other times, access to the Building may be restricted, at Landlord’s election, by use of a card or key access system at an entrance to the Building. In the event Landlord elects to install such an access system, Landlord shall, within sixty (60) days following the Commencement Date, furnish Tenant, at no cost to Tenant, up to four (4) access cards or keys per 1,000 rentable square feet occupied by Tenant (as of the Commencement Date) as requested by Tenant for entering the Building. For purposes hereof, any such access cards, keys or other comparable access devices are collectively referred to as “access cards.” Thereafter, additional access cards and replacement access cards (for lost access cards) shall be made available to Tenant at a charge equal to $15.00 per card (subject to reasonable adjustment by Landlord from time to time) upon Landlord’s receipt of an order signed by Tenant. Tenant shall promptly provide Landlord with written notice of any lost or stolen access cards for the Building. Landlord shall replace all defective or worn access cards without charge. All cards shall remain the property of Landlord. No additional locks shall be allowed on any exterior door of the Premises without Landlord’s written permission and locks on any interior door shall be permitted only to the extent such locks are permissible under applicable laws and relevant insurance requirements. Upon termination of this Lease, Tenant shall surrender to Landlord all access cards and keys related to the Premises, and give to Landlord the combination of all locks for sages, safe cabinets and vault doors, if any, to remain in the Premises and in the event Tenant fails to return all such access cards to Landlord at the end of the Term, Tenant shall pay Landlord $15.00 for each such access card not returned to Landlord.

39


(k)   Lender Approval .

This Lease may be subject to approval by Landlord’s lender. In the event such approval is required and Landlord is unable to obtain such approval within ten (10) days after the date of this Lease, either party may elect to terminate this Lease upon written notice to the other and the parties hereto shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder.

(l)   Financial Disclosures . Tenant shall at any time upon receipt of a written request from Landlord (such request to be made no more than twice in any Lease Year), provide true, complete and accurate financial information and documentation about itself and any Guarantor to Landlord, within ten (10) days after such request. The individuals executing this Lease on Tenant’s behalf hereby represent and warrant to Landlord that the financial statements and other information submitted to Landlord by Tenant prior to the execution hereof are true, complete and accurate, were prepared in accordance with generally accepted cash accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and accurately reflect Tenant’s net worth as of the date hereof. Landlord covenants and agrees to keep such records confidential; provided, however, Landlord may share the information contained within such records with its legal counsel, accountants and employees, prospective purchasers and lenders, and as may otherwise be required by applicable law.

(m)   Tenant hereby elects domicile at the Premises for the purpose of service of all notices, writs of summons or other legal documents or process in any suit, action or proceeding which Landlord or any mortgagee may undertake under this Lease.

(n)   If in this Lease it is provided that Landlord’s consent or approval as to any matter will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and it is established by a court or body having final jurisdiction thereover that Landlord has been unreasonable, the sole effect of such finding shall be that Landlord shall be deemed to have given its consent or approval, but Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant in any respect for money damages or expenses incurred by Tenant by reason of Landlord having withheld its consent. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be deemed to limit Landlord’s right to give or withhold consent unless such limitation is expressly contained in the paragraph to which such consent pertains.

(o)   Time of the Essence . Time is of the essence with respect to all of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.

(p)   No Liability . Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any damage caused by other tenants or persons in the Building or caused by operations of others in the construction of any private, public or quasi-public work.

[signatures on next page]

40


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Lease to be duly executed and sealed pursuant to authority duly given as of the day and year first above written.
 
   
LANDLORD:
         
   
NOTTINGHAM HALL LLC , a Delaware limited liability company

   
By:
Imperial I Associates LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its sole member

   
By:
ACP/Imperial I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its managing member

   
By:
ACP/Imperial I Manager LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its managing member

WITNESS
By
/s/ [illegible]
     
Name: Douglas [illegible]
     
Title: Manager
/s/ [illegible]
       

   
TENANT:
         
WITNESS
 
ADVANTIS REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY , a Florida corporation
         
/s/ [illegible]
 
By
/s/ David P. Oddo
     
Name: David P. Oddo
     
Title: Managing Director

41


EXHIBIT A

FLOOR PLAN OF THE PREMISES

[Attach]



[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
 

 
EXHIBIT A-1

ROFO SPACE

[Attach]



[GRAPHIC OMITTED]



EXHIBIT B

DECLARATION OF COMMENCEMENT DATE

This Declaration of Commencement Date is made as of _______________, 2005, by NOTTINGHAM HALL LLC (“Landlord”), and ADVANTIS REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY (“Tenant”), who agree as follows:

1.   Landlord and Tenant entered into an Office Lease Agreement dated September ____, 2005, in which Landlord leased to Tenant, and Tenant leased from Landlord, certain Premises described therein in the office building located at 4505 Emperor Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina (the “Building”). All capitalized terms herein are as defined in the Lease.

2.   Pursuant to the Lease, Landlord and Tenant agreed to and do hereby confirm the following matters as of the Commencement Date of the Term:

 
a.
the Commencement Date of the Lease is December 1, 2005;

 
b.
the Rent Commencement Date of the Lease is ___________, 2006;

 
c.
the Expiration Date of the Lease is August 31, 2011;

 
d.
the number of rentable square feet of the Premises is 9,837; and

 
e.
Tenant’s Proportionate Share is 9.35%.

3.   Tenant confirms that:

 
a.
it has accepted possession of the Premises as provided in the Lease;

 
b.
Landlord is not required to perform any work or furnish any improvements to the Premises under the Lease;

 
c.
Landlord has fulfilled all of its obligations under the Lease as of the date hereof;

 
d.
the Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified, altered, or amended, except as follows: _______________________; and

 
e.
there are no set-offs or credits against Rent, and no Security Deposit or prepaid Rent has been paid except as provided by the Lease.

4.   The provisions of this Declaration of Commencement Date shall inure to the benefit of, or bind, as the case may require, the parties and their respective successors and assigns, and to all mortgagees of the Building, subject to the restrictions on assignment and subleasing contained in the Lease, and are hereby attached to and made a part of this Lease.

[Signature page follows hereafter]



   
LANDLORD:
         
   
NOTTINGHAM HALL LLC , a Delaware limited liability company

   
By:
Imperial I Associates LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its sole member

   
By:
ACP/Imperial I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its managing member

   
By:
ACP/Imperial I Manager LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its managing member

WITNESS:
By
 
   
Name:
   
Title:
         

   
TENANT:
         
WITNESS:
 
ADVANTIS REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY ,
a Florida corporation
         
   
By
 
     
Name:
     
Title:

Exhibit B, Page 2


EXHIBIT C

WORK AGREEMENT

This Work Agreement (the “Work Agreement”) is attached to and made a part of that certain Office Lease Agreement (the “Lease”) dated September ___, 2005 by and between NOTTINGHAM HALL LLC , as landlord (“Landlord”), and ADVANTIS REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY , as tenant (“Tenant”), for the premises (the “Premises”) described therein in the building having a street address of 4505 Emperor Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina (the “Building”). It is the intent of this Work Agreement that Tenant shall be permitted freedom in the design and layout of the Premises, consistent with applicable building codes and requirements of law, including without limitation the Americans with Disabilities Act, and with sound architectural and construction practice in first-class office buildings, provided that neither the design nor the implementation of the Tenant Improvements (hereinafter defined) shall cause any interference to the operation of the Building’s HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, life safety, electrical or other systems or to other Building operations or functions, nor shall they increase maintenance or utility charges for operating the Building. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Work Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Lease. In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of the Lease, the terms hereof shall prevail for the purposes of design and construction of the Tenant Improvements.

A.   TENANT IMPROVEMENTS .

1.   As-Is Condition . Landlord shall have no obligation to perform or cause the performance or construction of any improvements in or to the Premises and Landlord shall deliver the Premises to Tenant in its “as is” condition on the Commencement Date. Tenant hereby acknowledges that Landlord has made no representations or warranties to Tenant with respect to the condition of the Premises or the working order of any systems or improvements therein existing as of the date of delivery, except as may be expressly set forth in the Lease.

2.   Tenant Improvements . Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, subject to the application of the Improvement Allowance (hereinafter defined), shall furnish and install in the Premises in accordance with the terms of this Work Agreement, the improvements set forth in the Tenant’s Plans (hereinafter defined) which shall be approved by Landlord in accordance with Paragraph B.3, below (the “Tenant Improvements”). Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, all costs of all design, space planning, and architectural and engineering work for or in connection with the Tenant Improvements, including without limitation all drawings, plans, specifications, licenses, permits or other approvals relating thereto, and all insurance and other requirements and conditions hereunder, and all costs of construction, including supervision thereof, shall be at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, subject to the application of the Improvement Allowance in accordance with the terms of this Work Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for one-half (1/2) of the reasonable costs (without subtracting such costs from the Improvement Allowance) incurred by Tenant in constructing the demising wall in the location set forth on the attached Exhibit A (the “Demising Wall”) within thirty (30) days after Landlord’s receipt of the information set forth in subparagraphs (a) through (d) in Paragraph C.2, below, with respect to the Demising Wall. Tenant shall construct the Demising Wall as part of Tenant’s construction of the Tenant Improvements in the Premises. Tenant shall cause the Contractor (hereinafter defined) to separately price the Demising Wall as part of its bid pricing for the construction of the Tenant Improvements. The Contractor shall provide “open book” pricing with respect to its proposed bid price for the construction of the Demising Wall, and Landlord shall be permitted to negotiate said pricing with the Contractor after the Tenant receives the Contractor’s bid price for the construction of the Tenant Improvements.



B.   PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS .

1.   Space Planner. Tenant shall retain the services of an architectural firm reasonably acceptable to Landlord (the “Space Planner”) to design the Tenant Improvements to be constructed by Tenant in the Premises and prepare the Final Space Plan (hereinafter defined) and the Contract Documents (hereinafter defined). The Space Planner shall meet with the Construction Supervisor (hereinafter defined) from time to time to obtain information about the Building and to insure that the improvements envisioned in the Contract Documents do not interfere with and/or affect the Building or any systems therein. The Space Planner shall prepare all space plans, working drawings, and plans and specifications described in Paragraph B.3, below, in conformity with the base Building plans and systems, and the Space Planner shall coordinate its plans and specifications with the Engineers (hereinafter defined) and the Construction Supervisor. All fees of the Space Planner shall be borne solely by Tenant, subject to application of the Improvement Allowance as hereinafter provided.

2.   Engineers. Tenant shall retain the services of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural engineers designated by Landlord and reasonably acceptable to Tenant (the “Engineers”) to (i) design the type, number and location of all mechanical systems in the Premises, including without limitation the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system therein, fire alarm system and to prepare all of the mechanical plans, (ii) to assist Tenant and the Space Planner in connection with the electrical design of the Premises, including the location and capacity of light fixtures, electrical receptacles and other electrical elements, and to prepare all of the electrical plans, (iii) to assist Tenant and the Space Planner in connection with plumbing-related issues involved in designing the Premises and to prepare all of the plumbing plans and (iv) assist Tenant and the Space Planner in connection with the structural elements of the Space Planner’s design of the Premises and to prepare all of the structural plans. All fees of the Engineers shall be borne solely by Tenant, subject to application of the Improvement Allowance as hereinafter provided.

3.   Time Schedule.

a.   Tenant shall promptly furnish to Landlord for its review and approval a proposed detailed space plan for the Tenant Improvements (the “Final Space Plan”) prepared by the Space Planner, in consultation with the Construction Supervisor and the Engineers. The Final Space Plan shall contain the information and otherwise comply with the requirements therefor described in Schedule C-1 attached hereto. Landlord shall, advise Tenant of Landlord’s approval or disapproval of the Final Space Plan within five (5) business days after Tenant submits the Final Space Plan to Landlord. Tenant shall promptly revise the proposed Final Space Plan to meet Landlord’s objections, if any, and resubmit the Final Space Plan to Landlord for its review and approval within three (3) days of Tenant’s receipt of Landlord’s objections, if any,

Exhibit C, Page 2


b.   Within fifteen (15) days after Landlord approves the Final Space Plan, Tenant shall furnish to Landlord for its review and approval, all architectural plans, working drawings and specifications (the “Contract Documents”) necessary and sufficient (i) for the construction of the Tenant Improvements; and (ii) to enable Tenant to obtain a building permit for the construction of the Tenant Improvements by the Contractor (hereinafter defined). The Contract Documents shall contain the information and otherwise comply with the requirements therefore described in Schedule C-2 attached hereto and shall set forth the location of any core drilling by Tenant (the approval of same shall be subject to Landlord’s approval in its sole discretion). Landlord shall advise Tenant of Landlord’s approval or disapproval of the Contract Documents, or any of them, within ten (10) business days after Tenant submits the Contract Documents to Landlord. Tenant shall promptly revise the Contract Documents to meet Landlord’s objections, if any, and resubmit the Contract Documents to Landlord for its review and approval within three (3) days of Tenant’s receipt of Landlord’s objections, if any. Landlord shall advise Tenant of Landlord’s approval or disapproval of the revised Contract Documents within five (5) business days after Tenant submits same. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, approval by Landlord of the Contract Documents shall not constitute an assurance by Landlord that the Contract Documents: (a) satisfy Legal Requirements (hereinafter defined), (b) are sufficient to enable Tenant to obtain a building permit for the undertaking of the Tenant Improvements in the Premises, or (c) will not interfere with, and/or otherwise affect, base Building or base Building systems.

c.   The Final Space and the Contract Documents are referred to collectively herein as the “Tenant’s Plans.”

d.   The Tenant Improvements shall be of first-class quality, commensurate with the level of improvements for a first-class tenant in a first-class office building in the Durham, North Carolina area. The Tenant’s Plans shall be prepared in accordance with a Data Cadd or convertible DXF format for working drawings (using 1/8” reproducible drawings) in conformity with the base Building plans and Building systems and with information furnished by and in coordination with the Engineers. Tenant’s Plans shall comply with all applicable building codes, laws and regulations (including without limitation the Americans with Disabilities Act), shall not contain any improvements which interfere with or require any changes to or modifications of the Building’s HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety or other systems or to other Building operations or functions, and, unless Tenant agrees in writing to pay all such excess costs or charges, shall not increase maintenance or utility charges for operating the Building in excess of the standard requirements for normal first-class office buildings in the Durham, North Carolina area. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Work Agreement, Landlord shall have the right to disapprove, in its sole discretion, any portion of the Tenant’s- Plans that Landlord believes will or may affect the exterior or structure of the Building or will or may affect the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety, HVAC or other base Building systems.

Exhibit C, Page 3


4.   Base Building Changes . If Tenant requests work to be done in the Premises or for the benefit of the Premises that necessitates revisions or changes in the design or construction of the base Building or affect the Building or the base Building systems therein, any such changes shall be subject to the prior written approval of Landlord, in its sole discretion. Tenant shall be responsible for all costs and delays resulting from such design revisions or construction changes, including architectural and engineering charges, and any special permits or fees attributed thereto.

5.   Changes .

a.   In the event that Tenant requests any changes to the Contract Documents or the Final Space Plan after Landlord has approved same, or if it is determined that the Contract Documents prepared in accordance with the Final Space Plan do not conform to the plans for the base Building, deviate from applicable Legal Requirements or contain improvements which will or may interfere with and/or affect the base Building or any of the base Building systems, or in the event of any change orders, Tenant shall be responsible for all costs and expenses and all delay resulting therefrom, including without limitation costs or expenses relating to (i) any additional architectural or engineering services and related design expenses, (ii) any changes to materials in process of fabrication, (iii) cancellation or modification of supply or fabricating contracts, (iv) removal or alteration of work or plans completed or in process, or (v) delay claims made by any subcontractor.

b.   No changes shall be made to the Contract Documents without the prior written approval of Landlord, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, provided, however, that Landlord shall have the right to disapprove, in its sole discretion, any such change that Landlord believes will affect the exterior or structure of the Building or will affect the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety, HVAC or other base Building systems. Landlord shall not be responsible for delay in occupancy by Tenant because of any changes to the Final Space Plan or the Contract Documents after approval by Landlord, or because of delay caused by or attributable to any deviation by the Contract Documents from applicable Legal Requirements. Tenant shall be required to pay to Landlord the costs incurred by Landlord in connection with any changes to the Contract Documents or Final Space Plan, in full, within thirty (30) days after invoice, subject however to application of the Improvement Allowance in accordance with Paragraph C.2, below. As used herein, the term “Legal Requirements” shall mean any laws, ordinances, regulations and orders of the United States of America, the State of North Carolina and any other governmental authority with jurisdiction over the Building or the construction of the Tenant Improvements.

C.   COST OF TENANT IMPROVEMENTS/ALLOWANCES

1.   Construction Costs. All costs of design and construction of the Tenant Improvements, including without limitation the costs of all space planning, architectural and engineering work related thereto, all governmental and quasi-governmental approvals and permits required therefor, any costs incurred by Landlord because of changes to the base Building, the Building systems, all construction costs, contractors’ overhead and profit, insurance and other requirements, and all other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Tenant Improvements (collectively, “Construction Costs”), shall be paid by Tenant, subject, however, to the application of the Improvement Allowance in accordance with Paragraph C.2, below, not previously disbursed pursuant to this Work Agreement (the “Available Allowance”).

Exhibit C, Page 4


2   Improvement Allowance. Provided Tenant is not in default of the Lease, Landlord agrees to provide to Tenant an allowance (the “Improvement Allowance”) in an amount up to Two Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand One Hundred Ten Dollars ($295,110.00) (or Thirty Dollars ($30.00) per rentable square foot of the Premises) to be applied solely to the Construction Costs (hereinafter defined), except as otherwise expressly permitted herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing (a) the Improvement Allowance, in whole or in part, may be used by the Tenant to pay for (i) Tenant’s lease termination costs under its current lease, and (ii) costs incurred by Tenant in connection with relocating Tenant’s equipment, furniture and personal property to the Premises, and (b) in no event shall Tenant expend more than Ninety-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Dollars ($98,370.00) (or Ten Dollars ($10.00) per rentable square foot of the Premises) of the Improvement Allowance on costs associated with the purchase and installation of Tenant’s furniture, data and voice wiring, telecom systems and logo signage. Construction Costs shall be disbursed by Landlord from the Available Allowance, as and when such costs are actually incurred by Tenant. Tenant shall submit to Landlord, from time to time, but not more often then once per calendar month, requests for direct payments to third parties, of or for reimbursement to Tenant for Construction Costs incurred by Tenant out of the Available Allowance, which requests shall be accompanied by (a) paid receipts or invoices substantiating the costs for which payment is requested; (b) a signed statement from Tenant certifying that the costs were actually incurred for the stated amount; (c) lien waivers from the party supplying the services or materials for which payment is sought; and (d) such other information as Landlord reasonably requires. Provided Tenant delivers to Landlord an approved draw request, prepared as set forth above, Landlord shall pay the costs covered by such payment request within thirty (30) days following receipt thereof (but Landlord shall not be obligated to make more than one (1) such payment in any calendar month). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Landlord be obligated to pay, in the aggregate, an amount in excess of eighty percent (80%) of the Improvement Allowance until satisfaction of the following conditions: (A) Tenant’s occupancy of the Premises; (B) Tenant’s execution and delivery to Landlord of the Declaration attached to the Lease as Exhibit B; (C) receipt by Landlord of appropriate paid receipts or invoices and a final lien waiver from each subcontractor and supplier covering all work performed by the subcontractors and all materials used in connection with the construction of the Tenant Improvements; and (D) Tenant’s delivery to Landlord of all receipts, invoices or other documentation reasonably necessary to substantiate all costs payable by Landlord hereunder. If Tenant does not expend all of the Improvement Allowance for Construction Costs as permitted hereunder within twelve (12) months of execution of the Lease, any unused portion of the Improvement Allowance not so used shall be retained by Landlord.
 
Exhibit C, Page 5


3.   Excess Cost Allowance. In the event that Tenant notifies Landlord in writing, on or before the date which is ninety (90) days prior to the Commencement Date, that Tenant wishes to increase the Improvement Allowance, and specifies the amount of such proposed increase, not to exceed the Maximum Increase Amount (hereinafter defined), and evidences to Landlord’s reasonable satisfaction that the cost of undertaking the Tenant Improvements exceeds the Improvement Allowance by the approximate amount of the Excess Cost Allowance (hereinafter defined) requested by Tenant, then Landlord shall make available to Tenant an additional allowance (the “Excess Cost Allowance”) in the amount requested by Tenant, but not to exceed the Maximum Increase Amount. As used herein, the term “Maximum Increase Amount” means the sum of Ninety-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Dollars ($98,370.00) (or Ten Dollars ($10.00) per rentable square foot of the Premises). The Excess Cost Allowance shall be paid out by the Landlord in accordance with the provisions of the Work Agreement. Tenant shall repay to Landlord the amount of the Excess Cost Allowance over the sixty (60) full calendar months commencing on the Rent Commencement Date in equal monthly installments in the amount necessary to fully repay to Landlord the Excess Cost Allowance, with interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum, compounded monthly on a constant collection basis, on the outstanding amount thereof, as though the Excess Cost Allowance were a loan made by Landlord to Tenant on the Commencement Date. Such equal monthly installments shall be considered Additional Rent under the Lease and shall be paid together with, and in the same manner as, Annual Base Rent payable by the Tenant pursuant to Section 4(a) of the Lease, provided that such installments shall not be subject to the annual escalations applicable to Minimum Rental. Upon any termination of the Lease, Tenant shall be immediately obligated to repay to Landlord the entire amount of the Excess Cost Allowance that has not previously been repaid, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and such obligation shall survive any such termination.

4   Costs Exceeding Available Allowance . All Construction Costs in excess of the Available Allowance shall be paid solely by Tenant on or before the date such costs are due and payable (or if previously paid by Landlord, shall be reimbursed to Landlord by Tenant within ten (10) days of receipt by Tenant of invoices therefor from Landlord), and Tenant agrees to indemnify Landlord from and against any such costs. All amounts payable by Tenant pursuant to this Work Agreement shall be deemed to be Additional Rent for purposes of the Lease. If required by Landlord, Tenant shall provide evidence satisfactory to Landlord that Tenant has sufficient funds available to pay all Construction Costs in excess of the Improvement Allowance.

D.   CONSTRUCTION

1.   General Contractor. Tenant shall retain a general contractor acceptable to Landlord and licensed in the State of North Carolina to undertake construction of the Tenant Improvements (the “Contractor”). The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining, at Tenant’s sole cost, all permits and approvals required for the construction of the Tenant Improvements.

2.   Construction By The Contractor. In undertaking the Tenant Improvements, Tenant and the Contractor shall strictly comply with the following conditions:

a.   No work involving or affecting the Building’s structure or the plumbing, mechanical, electrical or life/safety systems of the Building shall be undertaken without (i) the prior written approval of Landlord in its sole discretion, whether pursuant to its approval of Tenant’s Plans or otherwise, (ii) the supervision of Landlord’s building engineer, the actual cost of which shall be borne by Tenant if more than one (1) hour of such engineer’s time is spent in connection with the Tenant Improvements during any single day; (iii) compliance by Tenant with the insurance requirements set forth in Paragraph D.2.c, below; and (iv) compliance by Tenant with all of the terms and provisions of this Work Agreement;
 
Exhibit C, Page 6


b.   All Tenant Improvement work shall be performed in strict conformity with (i) the final approved Tenant’s Plans; (ii) all applicable codes and regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Building and the Premises; (iii) valid building permits and other authorizations from appropriate governmental agencies, when required, which shall be obtained by Tenant, at Tenant’s expense; and (iv) Landlord’s construction policies, rules and regulations attached hereto as Schedule C-3 , as the same may be reasonably modified by Landlord from time to time (“Construction Rules”). Any work not acceptable to the appropriate governmental agencies or not reasonably satisfactory to Landlord shall be promptly replaced at Tenant’s sole expense. Notwithstanding any failure by Landlord to object to any such work, Landlord shall have no responsibility therefor; and

c.   Before any work is commenced or any of Tenant’s, Contractor’s or any subcontractor’s equipment is moved onto any part of the Building, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord policies or certificates evidencing the following types of insurance coverage in the following minimum amounts, which policies shall be issued by companies approved by Landlord, shall be maintained by Tenant at all times during the performance of the Tenant Improvements, and which shall name Landlord as additional insured:

(1)   Worker’s compensation coverage in the maximum amount required by law and employer’s liability insurance in an amount not less than $500,000.00 and $500,000.00 per disease;

(2)   Comprehensive general liability policy to include products/completed operations, premises/operations, blanket contractual broad form property damage and contractual liability with limits in an amount per occurrence of not less than $1,000,000.00 Combined Single Limit for bodily injury and property damage and $1,000,000.00 for personal injury; and

(3)   Automobile liability coverage, with bodily injury limits of at least $1,000,000.00 per accident.

3.   Construction Supervision. All Tenant Improvements shall be performed by the Contractor. Landlord shall retain a construction supervisor selected by Landlord (the “Construction Supervisor”) as Landlord’s construction supervisor in connection with the construction of the Tenant Improvements, and Landlord shall pay the Construction Supervisor a construction supervision fee to cover the costs of coordination and supervision of the Tenant Improvements work on Landlord’s behalf, which fee shall not be deducted from the Improvement Allowance.
 
Exhibit C, Page 7


E.   PERMITS AND LICENSES. Tenant shall be solely responsible for procuring, at its sole cost and expense, all permits and licenses necessary to undertake the Tenant Improvements and, upon completion of the Tenant Improvements, to occupy the Premises. Tenant’s inability to obtain, or delay in obtaining, any such license or permit shall not delay or otherwise affect the Commencement Date or any of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.

F.   INSPECTION. Landlord is authorized, at its sole cost and expense, to make such inspections of the Premises during construction as it deems reasonably necessary or advisable.

G.   INDEMNIFICATION. Tenant shall indemnify Landlord and hold it harmless from and against all claims, injury, damage or loss (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) sustained by Landlord as a result of the construction of the Tenant Improvements in the Premises.

LIST OF SCHEDULES

 
Schedule C-l
Requirements for Final Space Plan
 
Schedule C-2
Requirements for Contract Documents
 
Schedule C-3
Construction Rules and Regulations
 
Exhibit C, Page 8


SCHEDULE C-l

REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL SPACE PLAN

Floor plans, together with related information for mechanical, electrical and plumbing design work, showing partition arrangement and reflected ceiling plans (three (3) sets), including without limitation the following information:

 
a.
identify the location of conference rooms and density of occupancy;

 
b.
indicate the density of occupancy for all rooms;

 
c.
identify the location of any food service areas or vending equipment rooms;

 
d.
identify areas, if any, requiring twenty-four (24) hour air conditioning;

 
e.
indicate those partitions that are to extend from floor to underside of structural slab above or require special acoustical treatment;

 
f.
identify the location of rooms for, and layout of, telephone equipment other than building core telephone closet;

 
g.
identify the locations and types of plumbing required for toilets (other than core facilities), sinks, drinking fountains, etc.;

 
h.
indicate light switches in offices, conference rooms and all other rooms in the Premises;

 
i.
indicate the layouts for specially installed equipment, including computer and duplicating equipment, the size and capacity of mechanical and electrical services required and heat rejection of the equipment;

 
j.
indicate the dimensioned location of: (A) electrical receptacles (one hundred twenty (120) volts), including receptacles for wall clocks, and telephone outlets and their respective locations (wall or floor), (B) electrical receptacles for use in the operation of Tenant’s business equipment which requires two hundred eight (208) volts or separate electrical circuits, (C) electronic calculating and CRT systems, etc., and (D) special audio-visual requirements;

 
k.
indicate proposed layout of sprinkler and other life safety and fire protection equipment, including any special equipment and raised flooring;

 
l.
indicate the swing of each door;

 
m.
indicate a schedule for doors and frames, complete with hardware, if applicable; and

 
n.
indicate any special file systems to be installed.



SCHEDULE C-2

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

Final architectural detail and working drawings, finish schedules and related plans (three (3) reproducible sets) including without limitation the following information and/or meeting the following conditions:

 
a.
materials, colors and designs of wallcoverings, floor coverings and window coverings and finishes;

 
b.
paintings and decorative treatment required to complete all construction;

 
c.
complete, finished, detailed mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural plans and specifications for the Tenant Improvements, including but not limited to the fire and life safety systems and all work necessary to connect any special or non¬ standard facilities to the Building’s base mechanical systems;

 
d.
all final drawings and blueprints must be drawn to a scale of one-eighth (1/8) inch to one (1) foot. Any architect or designer acting for or on behalf of Tenant shall be deemed to be Tenant’s agent and authorized to bind Tenant in all respects with respect to the design and construction of the Premises;

 
e.
notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in the Work Agreement or in the Lease, Tenant shall not request any work which would: (1) require changes to structural components of the Building or the exterior design of the Building; (2) require any material modification to the Building’s mechanical installations or installations outside the Premises; (3) not comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and requirements of any governmental department having jurisdiction over the construction of the Building and/or the Premises, including specifically, but without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities Act; (4) be incompatible with the building plans filed with the appropriate governmental agency from which a building permit is obtained for the construction of the Tenant Improvements or with the occupancy of the Building as a first-class office building; or (5) materially delay the completion of the Premises or any part thereof. Tenant shall not oppose or delay changes required by any governmental agency affecting the construction of the Building and/or the Tenant Improvements in the Premises.



SCHEDULE C-3

CONSTRUCTION RULES AND REGULATIONS

1.
Tenant and/or the general contractor will supply Landlord with a copy of all permits prior to the start of any work.

2.
Tenant and/or the general contractor will post the building permit on a wall of the construction site while work is being performed.

3.
Public area corridor, and carpet, is to be protected by plastic runners or a series of walk-off mats from the elevator to the suite under reconstruction.

4.
Walk-off mats are to be provided at entrance doors.

5.
Contractors will remove their trash and debris daily, or as often as necessary to maintain cleanliness in the building. Building trash containers are not to be used for construction debris. Landlord reserves the right to bill Tenant for any cost incurred to clean up debris left by the general contractor or any subcontractor. Further, the building staff is instructed to hold the driver’s license of any employee of the contractor while using the freight elevator to ensure that all debris is removed from the elevator.

6.
No utilities (electricity, water, gas, plumbing) or services to the tenants are to be cut off or interrupted without first having requested, in writing, and secured, in writing, the permission of Landlord.

7.
No electrical services are to be put on the emergency circuit, without specific written approval from Landlord.

8.
When utility meters are installed, the general contractor must provide the property manager with a copy of the operating instructions for that particular meter.

9.
Landlord will be notified of all work schedules of all workmen on the job and will be notified, in writing, of names of those who may be working in the building after “normal” business hours.

10.
Passenger elevators shall not be used for moving building materials and shall not be used for construction personnel except in the event of an emergency. The designated freight elevator is the only elevator to be used for moving materials and construction personnel. This elevator may be used only when it is completely protected as determined by Landlord’s building engineer.

11.
Contractors or personnel will use loading dock area for all deliveries and will not use loading dock for vehicle parking.



12.
Contractors will be responsible for daily removal of waste foods, milk and soft drink containers, etc. to trash room and will not use any building trash receptacles but trash receptacles supplied by them.

13.
No building materials are to enter the building by way of main lobby, and no materials are to be stored in any lobbies at any time.
 
14.
Construction personnel are not to eat in the lobby or in front of building nor are they to congregate in the lobby or in front of building.

15.
Landlord is to be contacted by Tenant when work is completed for inspection. All damage to building will be determined at that time.

16.
All key access, fire alarm work, or interruption of security hours must be arranged with Landlord’s building engineer.

17.
There will be no radios allowed on job site.

18.
All workers are required to wear a shirt, shoes, and full length trousers.

19.
Protection of hallway carpets, wall coverings, and elevators from damage with masonite board, carpet, cardboard, or pads is required.

20.
Public spaces - corridors, elevators, bathrooms, lobby, etc. - must be cleaned immediately after use. Construction debris or materials found in public areas will be removed at Tenant’s cost.

21.
There will be no smoking, eating, or open food containers in the elevators, carpeted areas or public lobbies.

22.
There will be no yelling or boisterous activities.

23.
All construction materials or debris must be stored within the project confines or in an approved lock-up.

24.
There will be no alcohol or controlled substances allowed or tolerated.

The general contractor and Tenant shall be responsible for all loss of their materials and tools and shall hold Landlord harmless for such loss and from any damages or claims resulting from the work.
 
Schedule C-3, Page 2


EXHIBIT D

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following rules and regulations have been adopted by the Landlord for the care, protection and benefit of the Building and for the general comfort and welfare of the tenants:

1.   The sidewalks, entrances, halls, passages, elevators and stairways shall not be obstructed by the Tenant or used by it for any other purpose than for ingress and egress.

2.   Toilet rooms and other water apparatus shall not be used for any purpose other than those for which they are constructed.

3.   The Tenant shall not do anything in the Premises, or bring or keep anything therein, which shall in any way conflict with any law, ordinance, rule or regulation affecting the occupancy and use of the Premises, which are or may hereafter be enacted or promulgated by any public authority or by the Board of Fire Underwriters.

4.   In order to insure proper use and care of the Premises, neither the Tenant nor agent nor employee of the Tenant shall:

(a)   Allow any furniture, packages or articles of any kind to remain in corridors except for short periods incidental to moving same in or out of Building or to cleaning or rearranging occupancy of leased space.

(b)   Maintain or utilize bicycles or other vehicles in the Building.

(c)   Mark or defile elevators, toilet rooms, walls, windows, doors or any part of the Building.

(d)   Keep animals or birds on the Premises.

(e)   Deposit waste paper, dirt or other substances in corridors, stairways, elevators, toilets, restrooms, or any other part of the Building not leased to him.

(f)   Fasten any article, drill holes, drive nails or screws into walls, floors, doors, or partitions or otherwise mar or deface any of them by paint, papers or otherwise, unless written consent is first obtained from the Landlord.

(g)   Operate any machinery within the Building except customary office equipment, such as dictaphones, calculators, electric typewriters, and the like. Special equipment or machinery used in the trade or profession of the Tenant may be operated only with the prior written consent of the Landlord.



(h)   Tamper or interfere in any way with windows, doors, locks, air conditioning controls, heating, lighting, electric or plumbing fixtures.

(i)   Leave Premises unoccupied without locking all doors, extinguishing rights and turning off all water outlets.
 
(j)   Install or operate vending machines of any kind in the Premises without written consent of Landlord.

5.   The Landlord shall have the right to prohibit any advertising by the Tenant which, in its opinion, tends to damage the reputation of the Building or its desirability, and upon written notice from Landlord, the Tenant shall discontinue any such advertising.

6.   The Landlord reserves the right to designate the time when and method whereby freight, furniture, safes, goods, merchandise and other articles may be brought into, moved or taken from the Building and the Premises leased by the Tenant; and workmen employed, designated or approved by the Landlord must be employed by Tenant for repairs, painting, material moving and other similar work that may be done on the Premises.

7.   The Tenant will reimburse the Landlord for the cost of repairing any damage to the Premises or other parts of the Building caused by the Tenant or the agents or employees of the Tenant, including replacing any glass broken.

8.   The Landlord shall furnish a reasonable number of door keys for the needs of the Tenant, which shall be surrendered on expiration of the Lease, and reserves the right to require a deposit to insure their return at expiration of Lease. The Tenant shall obtain keys only from the Landlord, shall not obtain duplicate keys from any outside source, and shall not alter the locks or effect any substitution.

9.   The Tenant shall not install in the Premises any metal safes or permit any concentration of excessive weight in any portion thereof without first having obtained the written permission of Landlord.

10.   The Landlord reserves the right at all times to exclude newsboys, loiterers, vendors, solicitors and peddlers, from the Building and to require registration, satisfactory identification and credentials from all persons seeking access to any part of the Building outside of the Standard Hours of Operation. The Landlord will exercise its best judgment in the execution of such control but shall not be held liable for the granting or refusal of such access. The Landlord reserves the right to exclude the general public from the Building after ordinary business hours and on weekends and holidays.

11.   The attaching of wires to the outside of the Building is absolutely prohibited, and no wires shall be run or installed in any part of the Building without the Landlord’s permission and direction.
 
Exhibit D, Page 2


12.   Requests for services of janitors or other Building employees must be made to the Landlord. Agents or employees of Landlord shall not perform any work or do anything outside of their regular duties unless under special instructions from Landlord.

13.   Signs or any other tenant identification shall be in accordance with building standard signage. No signs of any nature shall be placed in the windows so as to be visible from the exterior of the Building. All signs not approved in writing by the Landlord shall be subject to removal without notice.

14.   Any improvements or alterations to the Premises by Tenant shall be approved in advance by the Landlord and all such work, if approved, shall be done at the Tenant’s sole expense under the supervision of the Landlord.

15.   Tenant shall have a non-exclusive right to use all driveways and parking areas located on the Common Areas of the Land. Landlord shall have the right (but not the obligation) to tow, at the owner’s expense, any vehicles parked overnight on the Land if in Landlord’s sole reasonable judgment exercised in good faith such vehicle (i) is deemed to be a threat to the personal safety of the occupants of the Building, (ii) unreasonably interferes with the traffic or parking patterns within the Building, or (iii) is otherwise inconsistent with the image and reputation of the Building as a first-class office building.

16.   If additional drapes or window decorations are desired by Tenant, they shall be approved by Landlord and installed at the Tenant’s expense under the direction of the Landlord. Lining on drapes visible from the exterior shall be of a color approved by Landlord.

17.   The possession of weapons, including concealed handguns, is strictly forbidden on the Premises.

18.   No smoking shall be permitted within any portion of the Building.

19.   The Landlord shall have the right to make such other and further reasonable rules and regulations as, in the judgment of the Landlord, may from time to time be necessary for the safety, care and cleanliness of the Premises, the Building or adjacent areas, and for the preservation of good order therein effective five (5) days after all tenants have been given written notice thereof.
 
Exhibit D, Page 3


EXHIBIT B

PLAN SHOWING SUBLEASED PREMISES

[GRAPHIC OMITTED]

B-1

 
EXHIBIT C

FF INVENTORY
 
 
C-1

 
 
C-2

 
 
C-3

 
 
C-4

 
 
C-5

 
 
C-6


EXHIBIT D

FURNITURE AND FIXTURES CONVEYANCE AGREEMENT

This Furniture and Fixtures Conveyance Agreement (the “Agreement”) is executed and delivered effective as of the ____ day of _________, 2008 by Advantis Real Estate Services Company (“Seller”), in favor of Smart Online, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”).
 
1.   Sale of Personalty . For good and valuable consideration (which Seller acknowledges the receipt and sufficiency thereof), Seller hereby sells, transfers, assigns, sets over and conveys to Purchaser all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to all of the assets listed on Exhibit C to that Sublease Agreement between Seller and Purchaser of even date herewith (collectively, the “Personal Property”), all located in the leased premises at 4505 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 320, Durham, North Carolina (“Premises”):
 
2.   Warranty of Title . Seller warrants and shall defend title to the Personal Property unto Purchaser, its successors and assigns. Seller represents and warrants that no consent of any third party is required to authorize the transfer contemplated herein, and that it owns free and clear title to the Personal Property (with no encumbrances).
 
3.   Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon Purchaser and Seller and their respective successors and assigns.
 
4.   Power and Authority . Each party represents and warrants to the other that it is fully empowered and authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement, and the individual signing this Agreement on behalf of such party represents and warrants to the other party that he or she is fully empowered and authorized to do so.
 
5.   Further Assurances . The Seller agrees to promptly execute any additional documents reasonably required to complete or perfect the transfer contemplated by this Agreement.
 
6.   Multiple Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in a number of identical counterparts, each of which for all purposes is deemed an original, and all of which constitute collectively one (1) agreement, but in making proof of this Agreement, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

D-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date written above.
 
   
Advantis Real Estate Services Company
   
By:
       
Name:
David Townsend
Title:
Managing Director
   
   
BUYER:
   
Smart Online, Inc.
   
By:
        
David Colburn
Title:
President

D-2


EXHIBIT E

INITIAL IMPROVEMENTS
 
 


Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
RULE 13a-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, David E. Colburn, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008 of Smart Online, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
 

 
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) 
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and  
   
(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
By: 
/s/ David E. Colburn
   
David E. Colburn
Date: November 12, 2008
 
Principal Executive Officer
 
 
 

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
RULE 13a-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Timothy L. Krist, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008 of Smart Online, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
 

 
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) 
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and  
   
(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
By:
/s/ Timothy L. Krist
   
Timothy L. Krist
   
Principal Financial Officer and
Date: November 12, 2008
 
Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
 

 

Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Smart Online, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, David E. Colburn, Principal Executive Officer of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ David E. Colburn
David E. Colburn
Principal Executive Officer
November 12, 2008

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 
 

 

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Smart Online, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Timothy L. Krist, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
Timothy L. Krist
November 12, 2008

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.